TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Trade Minister Thomas T. Lembong and Industry Minister Saleh Husin met with European Commission officials to discuss the scoping paper of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Indonesia and the European Union.
The two ministers led a delegation of representatives from their respective ministries, as well as officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Procurement Policy Agency (LKPP) and the Indonesian Embassy in Brussels.
The scoping paper is the initial document prior to negotiations of a free trade agreement between Indonesia and the EU. This document contains guidelines and levels of ambitions both parties aim to achieve through the CEPA agreement.
According to a press release from the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, the government of Indonesia through this visit intends to emphasize the desire to finalize the agreement with the EU, in order to improve market access for goods and services as well as enhancing economic partnerships.
Minister Lembong said that Indonesia is committed to put forward the Indonesia-EU cooperation agreement, so it can be finalized soon.
"As the largest economy in the ASEAN region, Indonesia is a strategic partner for the European Union. The CEPA agreement could open more opportunities to improve future economic, trade and investment partnerships, as well as cultural, educational and culinary," he said.
BISNIS.COM