Jakarta, July 8 -- Indonesia on Wednesday launched the inaugural D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia in Jakarta, seeking to deepen halal trade and investment as the Developing Eight (D-8) aims to increase intra-bloc trade to US$500 billion by 2030.

The five-day event, which runs from July 8 to 12, brings together businesses, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to strengthen halal trade, investment, and value chains among D-8 members while expanding access to international markets.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anis Matta said the expo reflects Indonesia's commitment as D-8 chair to bolster national economic growth by deepening economic integration with the Islamic world through the halal economy.

"Amid global economic challenges, I...