In the First Six Months of 2026, Bilateral Trade Between Bulgaria and Indonesia Increased by More Than 155%
Bulgaria and Indonesia have enormous untapped potential for developing their economic relations. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev, who held a meeting in Jakarta with Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka. The talks focused primarily on expanding bilateral trade, attracting investment, technology transfer and creating new opportunities for businesses from both countries.
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Poulev and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka also highlighted the importance of the 70 years of friendly relations between Bulgaria and Indonesia, which provide a solid foundation for building on the political dialogue and deepening economic and investment cooperation.
Poulev emphasised that, as the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is a strategic partner for Bulgaria in expanding trade and investment links in the region.
During the meeting, specific opportunities for technology transfer, investment and joint production were discussed. The focus was on sectors with significant development potential, including high technology, drones and satellite technology, logistics and industry, and the food processing industry.
The two agreed that bilateral economic relations show significant potential for further development. “In the first six months of 2026, bilateral trade between Bulgaria and Indonesia increased by more than 155% compared with the same period in 2025,” Poulev noted.
Deputy Prime Minister Poulev and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka expressed their readiness to continue the dialogue on promoting economic ties and to work towards expanding practical cooperation between institutions and businesses.
During his visit to Jakarta, the Economy Minister also held a meeting with Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
Among the main topics discussed were facilitating access to the Indonesian market for Bulgarian food products, as well as developing cooperation in the field of halal products and obtaining the necessary certification for Bulgaria.
Deputy Prime Minister Poulev emphasised that one of the main objectives is to create new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses in international markets.
“It is important for us to translate the good political dialogue between Bulgaria and Indonesia into tangible economic results – more trade, more investment, technology transfer and joint production. Bulgaria is ready to be an active partner of Indonesia in these processes,” Alexander Poulev said.
Deputy Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Mihaela Karadimova and H.E. Tanya Dimitrova, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Indonesia, also took part in the meetings.