Canada, Indonesia Aim to Conclude ICA-CEPA Negotiation Rounds This Year

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Jess Dutton revealed Indonesia and Canada have tried to expedite conclusions for the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) as negotiations entered their eighth round last month. Dutton described the ongoing negotiations as extensive, including domestic and intergovernmental consultations

“I think we are quite happy with the progress so far," said Dutton at Canada's anniversary event in South Jakarta on Wednesday evening, July 3, 2024.

"We are hopeful,” Dutton said, claiming that both sides are trying to conclude the negotiation as swiftly as possible. 

The eighth round of ICA-CEPA negotiations took place in Ottawa, Canada, from June 24 to 28, 2024. The Director General of International Trade Negotiations Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono led the Indonesian delegation, while Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of Global Affairs Aaron Fowler led the Canadians.

Both parties reiterated their commitment to complete the negotiations by the end of this year. 

According to Dutton, ICA-CEPA will be the catalyst for a growing economic activity between Indonesia and Canada and support prosperity for the citizens of both countries.

Canada will send a trade mission to Indonesia and the Philippines on December 1-6, 2024, led by Mary Ng as Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development. The mission will focus on sectors including agriculture and processed food, clean energy, and infrastructure.

Indonesia is currently Canada's third-largest trading partner in ASEAN. In 2023, two-way trade in goods between Canada and Indonesia reached CA$5.1 billion (Rp61 trillion). Canadian goods exports to Indonesia are worth CA$2.3 billion (Rp27 trillion), making it the largest Canadian export market in ASEAN.

NABIILA AZZAHRA

Editor’s Choice: Canadian Ambassador Confident Relations Between Indonesia-Canada to Improve Under Prabowo Govt

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News