Launching on Thursday, the 36th edition of Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) comes at the later stage of a pandemic that has crippled economies in more ways than one. Global trade, a primary victim, has shown signs of recovery in recent months, and TEI seeks to play a role in advancing those signs. In an effort to achieve better reach and offer greater convenience, this year’s TEI will offer its services online via a digital platform, as opposed to the venue-based event of past years. “This digitally packaged exhibition is one of the efforts and evidence of the Ministry of Trade"s commitment to revive global trade. “In addition, this exhibition is also a breakthrough for Indonesian business actors to take advantage of opportunities so as not to lose the momentum of accelerating economic recovery affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," explained Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi. The Trade Minister added that the 36th TEI is also expected to be able to accelerate the digital transformation of trade. TEI Digital Edition aims to create a vehicle for promotion and online trade transactions that are effective and efficient, strengthen partnerships and maintain business continuity with buyers, expand penetration into new markets, build a positive image, and increase the competitiveness of various Indonesian products and services in international markets. TEI 2021 will present the concept of a digital catalog that provides flexibility for participants and visitors to display and explore information on various superior Indonesian products. The featured Indonesian products and services that will be displayed are divided into eight categories, namely manufactured products, digital lifestyle & services, medical & healthcare, renewable energy, food & beverage products, living comfort & amenities, fashion & beauty products, and halal products. The implementation of TEI this time, explained the minister, is expected to be able to bring in virtually as many potential buyers as possible to transact with Indonesian exporters. This year"s TEI is targeted to reach a trade transaction value of $1.5 billion and be attended by 1,000 companies and 500,000 visitors. The Ministry of Trade has and continues to promote and socialize TEI 2021 to partner countries through collaboration and coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Indonesian representative offices and foreign trade representatives. Saudi Arabia, for example, is a frequent and consistent participant of TEI over the years. The Kingdom is expected to continue its strong showing, foreseen by the country’s sound digital infrastructure and culture. Saudi businesses have long reaped the benefits of the expo, and vice versa. Eko Hartono, Indonesia’s Consul General to Jeddah, revealed that Saudi Arabia, in last year’s expo, was the fifth strongest participant in terms of transactions; recording $1.2 million by the end of the event. The consul general added that he hopes for more Saudi businesses to register this year and make use of the platform and all it has to offer. The Director of Jeddah’s Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), Muhammad Rivai Abbas, expressed his gratitude to Saudi Chambers for playing a key role in supporting communication and disseminating information to the businessmen/women within their network. He added that he appreciated their enthusiasm and support. TEI Digital Edition will run from Oct. 21 to Nov. 4. The product showcase will continue until Dec. 20. — SG