…traders call for better access to finance, stronger government-private sector collaboration
By Gloria Ikibah 
More than 200 Nigerian businesspeople from different parts of the country are participating in the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, with stakeholders calling for stronger government-private sector collaboration to maximise the benefits of international trade engagements.
The Nigerian delegation, which includes entrepreneurs and business leaders, is attending the global sourcing event in Tangerang, Indonesia, to explore commercial opportunities, establish partnerships and promote Nigerian businesses.
President of the Kano Council of Traders and Entrepreneurs and council member of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Hassan Tahir Yaro, said the large turnout reflected the determination of Nigerian entrepreneurs to expand their presence in international markets.
“We are here in numbers to make our business community proud, not only in Nigeria, in Africa. And, Alhamdulillah, we met with potential business partners as usual,” Yaro said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the expo at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition, BSD City, Yaro said the Nigerian delegation had been actively exploring opportunities, but argued that stronger official participation in strategic side-events, including the D-8 Business Forum, would further strengthen the country’s presence.
“We are all from private sector… We are here to tap ideas. We are here to tap a lot of experience to take it down to Nigeria,” he said, adding that institutional support would help translate business engagements into tangible economic benefits.
Yaro commended the Federal Government’s efforts to develop Nigeria’s halal economy, particularly the role of Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
“Alhamdulillah, we know, Kashim Shettima, the vice president, he is doing his possible best when it comes to this issue of Halal. Because the president gave him an open hand,” Yaro said.
He said information from the Nigerian Embassy in Jakarta indicated that the Federal Ministry of Trade had been invited to participate in one of the side forums.
While acknowledging that the invitation may have arrived late, he expressed hope that coordination will improve ahead of future editions of the expo.
“Maybe they have an excuse. Since they were invited late, maybe they have an excuse… Hopefully, next year they will come in numbers,” he said.
Yaro said Nigerian entrepreneurs needed greater access to international markets and financing to expand their businesses and compete effectively.
“Nigeria is spending more money to mobilize business community, entrepreneurs… For them to meet up with international business partners. Most importantly, issue of having access to finance. D-8 has a very vital role to play. Nigerians are very ready. We are hardworking business people,” he said.
He urged the government and private sector to work more closely in selecting and preparing businesspeople for international trade exhibitions, stressing that participants should be able to apply the knowledge and experience gained to strengthen local enterprises.
Indonesia pushes stronger D-8 trade ties
Meanwhile, Indonesia has called on member countries of the Developing Eight (D-8) Organisation for Economic Cooperation to strengthen trade relations, diversify their economies and build more resilient supply chains.
The call was made by the Indonesian Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, represented by Director Johnny Marta, at the second D-8 Business Forum held on the sidelines of the expo.
Speaking on the theme, “Advancing Indonesia’s D-8 Presidency: Empowering Business Cooperation in Trade and Supply Chains,” Santoso said trade among D-8 member countries remained below its potential despite their combined population and economic strength.
He said intra-D-8 trade currently accounted for about seven per cent, falling short of the 10 per cent target set in the organisation’s Decennial Roadmap.
The minister noted that the member countries had a combined population of 1.2 billion and a gross domestic product of $5 trillion, presenting significant opportunities for increased trade and investment.
He identified geopolitical shifts and changes in global supply chains as reasons for member countries to pursue greater value addition, digital connectivity and joint supply chains in food, energy and the halal economy.
Santoso also announced that Indonesia would host the 10th D-8 Supervisory Committee meeting and the fifth D-8 Trade Ministers Council meeting in 2027 as part of efforts to deepen economic integration beyond the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement.
The 41st Trade Expo Indonesia 2026 is holding from October 14 to 18 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition, BSD City, Tangerang, bringing together businesses, international buyers and investors to explore trade and investment opportunities.
