Photo: BSS

JASHORE, June 14, 2026 (BSS) - An exchange meeting was held today at the 
Jashore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, focusing on expanding halal trade 
relations between Bangladesh and Indonesia and strengthening mutual economic 
cooperation.

The discussion highlighted preparations for the upcoming D-8 Halal Expo 2026, 
scheduled to be held in Indonesia from July 8 to 12, where business 
representatives from nine major Muslim-majority countries are expected to 
participate. 

Speakers urged Bangladeshi manufacturers and exporters to actively showcase 
their products at the event to access new global markets.

Second Secretary of the Indonesian Embassy Sahid Noor Karim attended the 
event as a special guest and underscored the strong commercial potential 
between the two countries beyond traditional trade sectors. 

He identified promising areas including processed food, fashion, 
pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, healthcare services, and digital 
technology. 

He also assured full support from the Embassy of Indonesia in Dhaka for 
facilitating a high-level Bangladeshi business delegation to the expo.

The meeting was chaired by Jashore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President 
Mizanur Rahman Khan, who reviewed the current bilateral trade situation and 
noted that although relations remain strong, Bangladesh continues to face a 
trade deficit. 

He emphasized leveraging the halal value chain and expanding joint investment 
opportunities to help bridge the gap and deepen cooperation.

Others who spoke at the meeting included Economic Affairs Attach, of the 
Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka Saptarudianto, Commander Md. Abu Sayeed, Jashore 
Chamber Secretary Tanvirul Islam Sohan, its Joint Secretary Ejaz Uddin Tipu, 
along with local business leaders.

The session concluded with optimism that enhanced participation in 
international platforms such as the D-8 Expo would further strengthen 
Bangladesh-Indonesia economic ties and open new opportunities for local 
entrepreneurs in the global halal market.