Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Joko Widodo is trying to complete negotiations on the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) by the end of 2024.
This was stated by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi after accompanying President Widodo in a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday.
“The two leaders agreed to work towards the completion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CI-Canada) by the end of next year, the end of 2024,” said Foreign Minister Retno in a press release in Jakarta on Tuesday evening.
Foreign Minister Retno said President Jokowi and Prime Minister Trudeau discussed the soon-to-be-launched ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and hoped that it could soon be followed by concrete results in cooperation.
According to him, the two leaders were also very satisfied with the fairly strong increase in bilateral trade in 2022.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his appreciation for Indonesia's leadership in the region, considered very influential, and for Indonesia's success in the G20 presidency.
Meanwhile, President Jokowi welcomed the formation of a bilateral working group that is expected to immediately follow up on the agreements discussed by the two leaders.
The President also encouraged Pension funds invest in Indonesia, particularly in a number of strategic infrastructure projects in Indonesia, including the Indonesian Capital Development (IKN) and green airport in North Kalimantan.
“The two leaders also spoke about the importance of cooperation for food security and currently Indonesian state-owned enterprises are exploring cooperation in potash supply and also joint venture with Canadian companies, and the president really hopes that this can be realized soon,” said Foreign Minister Retno.
Furthermore, President Jokowi and Prime Minister Trudeau also discussed cooperation regarding halal certification. Meanwhile, regarding cooperation critical mineralsPresident Jokowi expressed hope that Canada would support the downstream industrial policy implemented by Indonesia.
“Prime Minister Trudeau also expressed his support for Indonesia's application to the OECD and, of course, the PM (Trudeau) will also speak again with OECD members to provide positive consideration or consideration for Indonesia's OECD membership,” Foreign Minister Retno said.
The President was also accompanied to the meeting by Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordination Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Commerce Zulkifli Hasan and Minister of State Pratikno .
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