Indonesia and Singapore are preparing to launch an AI‑powered trade advisory platform, Taia (Trade AI Advisor), aimed at helping Indonesian small businesses identify export opportunities and buyers beyond Singapore. The initiative is being developed jointly by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) as part of a two‑year memorandum of understanding signed at the Singapore‑Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat on July 6.
Taia will use trade data and AI to help businesses identify exportable products and overseas markets, enabling small firms to make more informed decisions about expanding internationally.
A broader rollout of the platform is expected in 2027.
Progress on the collaboration was reviewed during a high‑level business dialogue between SBF and Kadin in Jakarta on Wednesday, with the project already underway. SBF chairman Mark Lee emphasized that the initiative is designed to support micro, small, and medium‑sized enterprises (MSMEs), which often lack access to market intelligence and international trade networks.
The initiative comes as Indonesia is gaining improved access to international markets through trade agreements with the European Union, Canada and Australia. While these agreements could open up new opportunities for Indonesian companies, businesses still require reliable information on consumer demand, trade regulations and suitable export destinations to fully benefit from them.
Indonesia’s annual trade totals about $309 billion, with commodities such as palm oil, coal, and steel making up a substantial portion of the country’s trade.
Anindya Bakrie, chairman of Kadin, said the platform could help Indonesia unlock billions in additional exports by enabling more businesses to identify and access overseas markets, potentially driving trade growth at twice the pace of economic expansion. The goal is to provide companies with timely insights to support better decisions and broaden their reach. The initiative also forms part of wider efforts to deepen economic cooperation as Singapore prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
SBF and Kadin are expected to prioritize regional connectivity, digitalization, energy security, food resilience, and youth employment. The two organizations also plan to host the 10th Singapore Regional Business Forum in Jakarta in mid‑2027, showcasing opportunities and fostering partnerships between businesses from both countries.
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