Antara News·Indonesia·Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 06:13 AM

Indonesia, Bulgaria explore expanding food, agricultural markets

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Aria Ananda, Raka Adji

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Bulgaria are exploring opportunities to expand market access for agricultural and food products, while opening doors for investment and technological cooperation in the food sector.

This endeavor was discussed during a meeting between Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan and Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev in Jakarta on Monday (September 14).

"This partnership is expected to strengthen the national food industry while securing raw material supplies for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program," Zulkifli said in an official statement received on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Indonesia offered several flagship products to expand its market reach in Bulgaria and across Europe—including cocoa, coconut, palm oil, and halal food products.

The government also views Bulgaria as a strategic gateway for Indonesian products entering the European market.

Beyond trade, Zulkifli stated that Indonesia is inviting Bulgarian investment, particularly in cattle farming and domestic dairy processing technology.

Meanwhile, according to the statement, Bulgaria offered to supply several food commodities to the Indonesian market, including milk, beef, corn, and wheat flour.

In addition, Bulgaria expressed readiness to boost investment and technology transfer in the agriculture and food sectors.

The two countries view stronger food trade as mutually beneficial, with Indonesia serving as a gateway to the Southeast Asian market and Bulgaria as an entry point to Europe.

The ministry stated that both nations will follow up with technical discussions covering trade, investment, food security, agricultural technology, food processing, halal certification, and food supply chain development.

According to Indonesian Ministry of Trade data, total trade between Indonesia and Bulgaria reached US$230.8 million in 2025, with Indonesia recording a US$64.2 million trade surplus as exports stood at US$147.4 million and imports reached US$83.1 million.

Indonesia's main exports to Bulgaria include nickel ores and concentrates, unwrought aluminum, iron and steel products, and margarine.

Meanwhile, Indonesian imports from Bulgaria consist of wheat and meslin, medical equipment, spices, unmanufactured tobacco, and defense equipment.

Indonesia and Bulgaria mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, with the Balkan nation positioning itself as a strategic gateway for Indonesian businesses to access the European Union market of around 450 million consumers.

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