Jakarta - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia) is exploring opportunities for cooperation with Estonia and has agreed to enhance trade and investment between the two countries. Kadin views Estonia as a potential gateway for Indonesian products to enter the European market.

Vice Chairman for International Relations at Kadin Indonesia, Bernardino M. Vega, stated that there is considerable potential for collaboration in several key sectors, including digitalization, food and beverage, green technology, and tourism.

These points were highlighted during the Estonia-Indonesia Business Forum, held at the Kadin Tower in Jakarta on April 22, 2025. The event was attended by Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, Estonian Ambassador to Indonesia Priit Turk, Vice Chairman of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce Oliver Väärtnõu, Director of Business Diplomacy and Honorary Consuls Division at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Arvo Anton, and Chair of the Bilateral Committee for the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) at Kadin Indonesia, Adriana Sri Lestari.

During the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Kadin Indonesia and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation and develop trade and business partnerships.

"Indonesian companies are also interested in utilizing Estonia’s technological capabilities, and we will explore the possibilities of such cooperation. Kadin is actively identifying non-traditional markets. Estonia, though in Europe, is not often on the radar. We need to look into new markets like this," said Bernardino, who is often referred to as "Dino."

He noted that Indonesia’s trade volume with Estonia had reached USD 540 million, a 40% increase from the previous year. "There is significant potential here. Estonia could serve as a gateway to broader European markets," Dino added.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that Estonia and Indonesia share a strong historical relationship. As a large and rapidly developing country in ASEAN, Indonesia could serve as a strategic partner for Estonia.

"Estonia is globally recognized as a digital nation. We have digitized 100% of our public services—except for marriage. Everything else is available online," said Margus.

He explained that through Estonia’s e-residency program, anyone can run a business in Estonia’s digital environment, which offers a wide range of services for individuals and enterprises, underpinned by strong cybersecurity infrastructure. "This is essential in the 21st century. Estonia is one of the leading countries in the world in this area," he added.

Margus noted that Estonia has developed its digital ecosystem over more than two decades in close collaboration with the private sector. He extended an invitation to Indonesia to explore investment and business opportunities in Estonia.

"We have also agreed to soon welcome a business delegation from Indonesia to Estonia. This kind of practical engagement between both sides is crucial," he said.

Estonia, a country of 1.3 million people, has been a member of the European Union for over 20 years, providing Indonesian businesses a potential entry point into the wider European market.

Meanwhile, Oliver Väärtnõu, Vice Chairman of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce, shared that several Estonian companies are already established in Indonesia, collaborating with local digital businesses.

"This is a significant step in building cooperation with Indonesia. We’re looking for partners and encouraging delegations to visit Estonia. Everyone wants to learn more about Indonesia. Our delegation will be here for a week, exploring concrete opportunities," said Oliver.

He added that some Estonian entrepreneurs have already invested in real estate in Bali, and many are actively seeking new partnerships and ventures. "Indonesia is a dynamic and fast-growing market, highly agile, and undoubtedly attractive to Estonian business players," he concluded.