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KONTAN.CO.ID – ASEAN Economic Ministers held a number of consultation meetings with ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partner countries, namely Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and India, as well as the ASEAN dialogue partner countries, namely the United States, Russia, Canada and the European Union. The meeting was held as part of a series of the 54th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM) from September 16-18, 2022, in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

“ASEAN, together with all FTA partner countries and dialogue partner countries, should continue to strengthen their cooperation to increase regional economic resilience in the face of the various global challenges they face. The cooperation that needs to be strengthened includes strengthening regional supply chains, trade facilitation, digital economy, green technology development, as well as supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs),” said the Deputy Trade Minister of the Republic of Indonesia Jerry Sambuaga as Task Executor (Alternate) AEM representing the Minister of Commerce of the Republic of Indonesia.

At the 11th MEA consultation meeting with Canada, Ministers particularly appreciated the progress made after the launch of negotiations last year, including the implementation of the first round of negotiations on the ASEAN- Canada (ACAFTA).

“ACAFTA is a very important FTA for ASEAN as it is ASEAN’s first FTA with countries in the Americas. Indonesia has a strategic role as it is the national coordinator and chief negotiator. We are committed to continuing to advance the negotiations so that the goal of a substantial settlement by next year can be achieved,” said Deputy Trade Minister Jerry.

On this occasion, Indonesia also held a number of bilateral meetings with partner countries, namely Australia, Hong Kong, Russia, Canada and with professional associations such as US-ABC and IndoCham.

The Deputy Trade Minister added that during the meeting with Australia, both sides agreed to be pragmatic in pushing for the completion of ASEAN-Australia Free Trade Area upgrade negotiations. -New Zealand (AANZFTA) and to strengthen cooperation through the review process of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Indonesia and Australia. Partnership Agreement/IA-CEPA) next year.

“Meanwhile, Hong Kong has expressed interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). In the meantime, with Canada, we agree that discussions must continue to intensify to reach mutually beneficial solutions, including on emerging issues such as labour, environment and inclusive trade,” the Vice concluded. – Commerce Minister Jerry.

In general, a series of bilateral meetings have focused on various efforts to enhance Indonesia’s economic cooperation with various parties, both in a bilateral and regional context.

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