2 min read –

Doing Business in Indonesia –

In 10 questions –

Insights Inside! –

Coryllis® Le salon permanent du commerce international. is:

-A service by Expansio® Développement international 🇫🇷.
-An export support platform & online virtual fair open 24/7
-For exporting companies, especially French ones

Below is an interview by Coryllis of ILANN AMRAM, cofounder of CINTASIA.

1. What motivated you to create CINTASIA?

CINTASIA was born from two desires:
– gaining independence after 25 years in industrial exports
– and returning to Asia as a family project.

The MBA I completed in 2019 reinforced my aspiration to create a company with real impact.

2. Why prioritize Indonesia?

For 4 reasons:

– It’s Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
– Doing business there is complex—CINTASIA’s role is to guide companies through it.
– I’ve believed in Indonesia’s potential since my first visit in 1999.
– My Indonesian wife and I co-founded CINTASIA, making this choice natural.

3. What are the main challenges for French companies in Indonesia?

Adapting to different time perceptions and cultural expectations.

Interpreting Indonesian politeness, which often masks real messages.

Choosing the right legal structure based on local activity plans.

4. How do France and Indonesia complement each other industrially?

France offers strong industrial solutions, but humility and preparation are essential. Indonesia attracts many foreign suppliers; success comes from differentiation and respect for local norms.

5. What is the value of your bicultural approach?

Our Franco-Indonesian foundation enables us to bridge cultures and ensure better alignment, communication, and results for our clients.

6. How do you select partner companies?

We target industrial and tech sectors where our expertise counts, engineering, metallurgy, energy, focusing on niche, high-value products where quality outweighs price.

7. Can you share a project success?

In one project, we audited an Indonesian metallurgical site and uncovered improvements leading to potential savings of $10 million. This gave our French client a strong argument to promote their high-value solution.

8. How do you see the Indonesian market evolving?

Indonesia’s 5% growth (vs. 0.5% in Europe) highlights a massive opportunity. It has labor, capital, and resources, but needs technology. That’s where French and European companies can step in.

9. How does Coryllis help CINTASIA?

Coryllis provides visibility and a platform to showcase our unique value to French companies exploring Southeast Asia.

10. What advice for first-time French exporters?

Start with nearby markets in Europe. For Asia, ensure you already have export experience and a differentiated offer to absorb higher costs and complexity.

Picture and source: Coryllis

Doing Business in Indonesia in 10 questions