Andalucía TRADE has carried out a key day of the Asian Club, focusing on Indonesia as a key economic player in Southeast Asia. The event, held at the Hotel Ribera de Triana in Seville, fostered a rapprochement between a delegation of 19 Indonesian agents and around twenty Andalusian firms with the aim of strengthen trade ties and cooperation.
This initiative is part of the strategy of the Andalusian Government all with diversify export markets of the region, reducing dependence on traditional destinations and paving the way for Andalusian companies in high-potential areas. The event was opened by the Deputy Minister of Economy, Finance, and European Funds, Amelia Martínez Sánchez, who was accompanied by the Indonesian ambassador to Spain, His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Najib; the director general of the Halal Institute, Muhammad Escudero; and the Secretary General for European Funding, Gerardo Fernández-Gavilanes.
El Asian Club It is an innovative platform created by Andalucía TRADE to connect Andalusian companies with the trade opportunities on the Asian continent, improving its global positioning through business intelligence and networkingThis club is part of a group of five forums, which also include the Club Africa, Club America, Club United Kingdom and Multilateral Club, all of them designed to expand knowledge of strategic markets and consolidate the international network of contacts for Andalusian companies.
During the opening, Deputy Minister Amelia Martínez Sánchez highlighted that Indonesia is "an emerging power and a key strategic partner for Andalusia in the ASEAN environment"He also thanked the companies for their participation, describing them as "true protagonists of Andalusian economic growth", reaffirming the The Andalusian Government's commitment to opening new markets. Martínez also mentioned that the event is part of the collaboration with the Spain-ASEAN Business Association (ASEMPEA), of which Andalucía TRADE has been a member since 2022, highlighting the strategic role of the Asia Club in trade diversification.
The session had the valuable participation of the Vice President of International Relations of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), Bernardino M. Vega, and the commercial attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Spain, Prabhata Ganendra. Both presented the opportunities for bilateral cooperation in sectors such as technology, digital finance, infrastructure, energy and sustainable innovationAlso present were Irman Alvian, president of the Spain-Portugal Bilateral Committee of KADIN, and the vice president of the same committee, Alexander Herodijaja.
Throughout the meeting, the capabilities of the Andalusian business community were presented and the Keys to operating successfully in the Indonesian market, including priority sectors, collaboration prospects, and strategies for a strong presence in the country. The attending companies had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the possibilities offered by a market characterized by a expanding economy, a growing middle class, and a strong commitment to innovation and sustainabilityRepresentatives of the Indonesian delegation, comprised of more than 20 firms, shared their knowledge on how to operate successfully in their market.
The main objective of Andalucía TRADE with these initiatives is to promote strategic alliances, identify new opportunities in areas such as technology, digital finance, energy or infrastructure, and consolidate a network of international contacts that will boost the global projection of the Andalusian economy. According to data from 2024, Trade between Andalusia and Indonesia reached 21 million euros, positioning the Asian country as the 20th trading partner of the region in Asia, with a great growth potentialThis event is co-financed by funds from the European Union's ERDF Operational Program for Andalusia 2021-2027, with an EU contribution of 85%.
Club Asia and International Network
Currently, 35 Andalusian companies are part of the Asian Club, and several of them participated in this session. Among the attending firms were companies from Seville (Torres y Ribelles, Landaluz, Grupo Forma 5, Interaceituna, and eShipping), Cadiz (TotalLogistic, APBA, and Gourmet Lifestyle), Cordoba (Aceitunas Torrent), Malaga (DHV Tecnología Espacial Avanzada Malagueña, Aninver, InfraPPP, and Garjim Telecomunicaciones), Almeria (Biorizon), Granada (Mafa Vegetal Ecobiology), and Huelva (Migrow).
In addition to Club Asia, Andalucía TRADE strengthens its presence in the region through its Business Promotion Antenna, located in Southeast Asia and also covering Malaysia and Singapore. This antenna is part of the International Network of the Andalusian Government, which has a presence in more than 75 countries.
Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy and the world's fourth most populous nation with over 262 million people, represents a market of vast dimensions and a strategic entry point to the entire ASEAN region. Its geopolitical and economic influence, combined with its commitment to sustainability and innovation, make it a priority partner for Andalusia in its market diversification strategy.
Incentives for internationalization
Andalucía TRADE, officially designated as the financial agent of the Andalusian Public Fund for Business Financing and Economic Development, has launched a incentive program with three lines of direct investment aid, which add up to a total of 244 millones de euros.
These new incentive programs aim to support projects for the growth and improvement of business competitiveness, the small business startup and implementation of industrial research and experimental development projectsThese are the first measures of a system of incentives and business financing that will soon include new lines, such as the support for the internationalization of Andalusian companies, whose purpose is to promote the activity of Andalusian SMEs abroad.
The deputy minister also announced the imminent launch of a New order to support internationalization with up to 11 million eurosThis is part of a broader €63 million package managed by Andalucía TRADE to promote the diversification of export destinations. "The Andalusian Regional Government will continue to support initiatives like the Asia Club because Your success is the success of all of Andalusia"The deputy minister concluded, encouraging companies to take advantage of the day as a starting point for future strategic alliances."
Competitive calls for support for business R&D&I will be added to this line starting in 2026. In total, Andalucía TRADE will make available to companies 412 million euros in direct incentives until 2027In addition to incentives and future repayable funds, Andalucía TRADE maintains a wide range of services in Business R&D, development of internationalization projects and investment attraction, which positions it as one of the most comprehensive public business development agencies nationwide.
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