RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Trade is facilitating nine women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their products at Spring Fair 2026, held from February 1–4 in Birmingham, England. This strategic move aims to penetrate the high-value British and European retail sectors.

The Indonesian pavilion features a curated selection of products, including fashion, accessories, textiles, garments, and home décor. 

Director General of National Export Development at the Ministry of Trade, Fajarini Puntodewi, said the participating brands were chosen for their ability to meet rigorous international standards.

“This participation opens up opportunities for long-term business partnerships, particularly targeting the retail market in the UK and Europe,” Director General Puntodewi said on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The exhibition serves as a vital platform for these entrepreneurs to demonstrate their competitiveness on a global stage while securing direct trade transactions.

The government’s focus on women-led businesses reflects a deliberate economic strategy, particularly as women manage more than 70 percent of SMEs that drive Indonesia’s grassroots and creative economies. 

By bringing these businesses to the Birmingham trade show, the government aims to foster inclusive trade by strengthening women's role as primary drivers of national exports.

The initiative also seeks to boost global visibility by reinforcing the “Made in Indonesia” brand within the competitive UK market. In addition, the program is designed to facilitate partnerships by directly connecting local artisans with major international retail buyers to secure long-term business growth.

Indonesian Ambassador to the UK, Ireland, and the International Maritime Organization, Desra Percaya, emphasized that synergy between the government and international partners is essential for global expansion.

The timing is considered opportune. From January to November 2025, trade between Indonesia and the UK reached USD 2.41 billion, with Indonesia maintaining a trade surplus of USD 456.8 million.

While traditional exports to the UK include steel, footwear, and machinery, this initiative seeks to diversify Indonesia’s export portfolio by introducing high-quality lifestyle and artisanal products to British consumers. ***