It is one of the drivers of the world economy, and a true strategic center of gravity. The three countries on my trip, including Indonesia, are particularly essential in light of the challenges we must face together.

This trip is an opportunity to consider new long-term economic partnerships between France and Indonesia. For example, France wants to support the export activities of its French strategic sectors, particularly those linked to the ecological transition, in which it will be investing heavily between now and 2030.

This visit also allows me to carry out essential multilateral diplomacy, in the context of the post-pandemic global recovery and the consequences of the war in Ukraine. The Group of 20 Trade Meeting in Bali will be the opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to free and fair trade as foundational principles of the multilateral trading system, as well as to the modernization of international trade rules, so they are fair for all, more sustainable, resilient and responsive to the needs of our citizens.

Indonesia is a key player and the largest economy within ASEAN. The economic and social progress achieved by Indonesia in recent years is good news for the 270 million Indonesians, as well as for France and French businesses, which are eager to form solid, long-standing partnerships with your country.

I want to commend French businesses, which through their investment in Indonesia are making an active contribution to the French-Indonesian relationship. French expertise has a strong presence in numerous sectors of the Indonesian economy.

This can be seen in digital technology, with Thalès enabling a data center to be built, but also in smart cities in the broader sense – transportation, construction, waste management, water sanitation – which is an essential issue in Indonesia as the country’s new capital is being constructed. France is also active in other sectors in Indonesia: banking, insurance, agrifood and so on.

In recent years, France and Europe have chosen to make a strong commitment to sustainable development. The European Parliament’s decision to stop “imported deforestation” must not hinder our trading relationship, but rather encourage us to work together to build new models and new value chains.

I am meeting with the Indonesian communications and information minister and national development planning minister in Jakarta to discuss all these issues. On behalf of the French government, I am glad to be able to enhance our successful cooperation with Indonesia.

 ***

The writer is the French minister for foreign trade, attractiveness and French nationals abroad.