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Dyah Roro Esti, Indonesia’s deputy minister of Trade, said at the Indonesia Food and Beverage Trade Promotion Forum in Jakarta on Tuesday that F&B exports still had substantial room for growth as the Ministry of Trade encourages local businesses to expand into international markets through Indonesia’s global trade network.

“Our F&B exports currently stand at $6.25 billion. Compared with other ASEAN countries, we rank fourth,” Esti was quoted by Indonesian news agency Between as saying.

Indonesia currently trails Thailand ($17 billion), Vietnam ($8.8 billion) and Singapore ($6.5 billion).

Esti highlighted the strong potential of international markets for Indonesian F&B products, particularly those meeting halal standards. She identified the Middle East as one of the promising markets for Indonesian exporters.

To help domestic businesses reach international buyers, the trade ministry is leveraging a network of Trade Attachés and Indonesian Trade Promotion Centers in 33 countries. The network helps connect Indonesian businesses with potential partners and buyers overseas.

Esti said Indonesian food products are gaining a stronger presence in international markets as local businesses and restaurants continue to expand abroad. The Indonesian diaspora worldwide also represents an important market for the country’s F&B products.

The ministry said leveraging its international trade network, expanding into new markets and tapping growing demand for halal food would be important ways to increase exports in the coming period.