TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Minister Airlangga: ICA-CEPA substantially concluded
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
C
oordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto accompanied President Prabowo Subianto, during a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, Peru, on Friday (15/11).
The meeting discussed various potential areas for enhancing Indonesia-Canada cooperation. President Prabowo opened the meeting by expressing appreciation for the significant progress in the negotiations of the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA), marking Indonesia’s first CEPA in North America.
"This agreement will create opportunities for increased trade in the agriculture, manufacturing sectors, and strengthen supply chains," Prabowo explained.
In a separate statement, Coordinating Minister Airlangga noted that the ICA-CEPA negotiations have been substantially concluded.
"The ICA-CEPA negotiations have been substantially concluded," said Airlangga.
According to the plan, the signing of the Joint Ministerial Statement marking the conclusion of the ICA-CEPA negotiations is scheduled to take place on Dec. 2, 2024, during the visit of Canadian Minister of Trade Mary Ng to Jakarta. However, there are still a few chapters that need finalization for mutual agreement between the two countries.
During the bilateral meeting, Indonesia pushed for increased partnership with Canada, particularly in four sectors. First, critical minerals to optimize investment in downstream nickel industries for electric vehicles in Indonesia. This partnership will enhance value creation and job opportunities and contribute to the goal of zero emissions.
Second is food security and self-sufficiency to ensure nutritious food and reduce stunting in Indonesia. The President invited Canada to collaborate in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors through the integration of technology and agricultural innovation.
Third, in the energy security sector, Indonesia proposed collaboration in research and development to enhance innovation capacity for a cleaner and more resilient energy future, supporting Indonesia's commitment to achieving zero emissions by 2060, with an investment value of US$ 1 trillion.
Fourth is defense, where amidst rising regional tensions, Indonesia hopes to strengthen defense and security cooperation with Canada for counterterrorism, logistical support, and the development of the defense industry in both countries.
On this occasion, the President also called for Canada’s support regarding the Palestinian issue, particularly in continuing financial assistance for Palestine and recognizing the statehood of Palestine to advance the Two-State Solution and comprehensive peace.
President Prabowo was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Sugiono, Trade Minister Budi Santoso, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Special Advisor to the President on National Defense Dudung Abdurachman, and the Indonesian Ambassador to Lima Ricky Suhendar.
Also present were Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Susiwijono Moegiarso and Director General of International Trade Negotiations Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono.
This article was published in collaboration with Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Republic of Indonesia
