RI, Canada discuss expediting completion of ICA-CEPA trade agreement

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto met Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste Jess Dutton to discuss accelerating the trade agreement for the Indonesia–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) to be completed soon.

“We will coordinate to finalize the ICA-CEPA as soon as possible,” Airlangga noted in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

The meeting covered updates on the ongoing ICA-CEPA negotiations, the agenda for a Canadian trade mission delegation visit, and various priority cooperation opportunities between the two nations.

Several key issues still under discussion are expected to find common ground during the ongoing 10th round of ICA-CEPA negotiations in Bandung.

Ambassador Dutton also congratulated Airlangga on his reappointment as coordinating minister for economic affairs in the Merah Putih Cabinet.

“The coordinating minister for economic affairs is a friend of Canada, and Indonesia is an important partner for Canada in ASEAN,” Dutton highlighted.



Furthermore, Dutton noted that the Canadian trade mission is scheduled to visit Indonesia this December to explore cooperation opportunities and hold several high-level bilateral meetings.

“Canada’s minister of trade and over 200 Canadian business delegates from various sectors will explore cooperation opportunities that are priorities for both countries and to gain a better understanding of Indonesia's business regulations,” Ambassador Dutton explained.

During the meeting, Airlangga also took the opportunity to share some of the Indonesian government's priorities under President Prabowo.

“In addition to critical minerals, the Indonesian government is currently focused on energy and food security. Furthermore, we aim to maximize the potential of new and renewable energy as well as non-new energy to support the national energy transition through cooperation with several countries, including Canada,” he stated.