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Jakarta – To continue to improve regional economic resilience amid the various global challenges facing them, ASEAN economic ministers have held a number of consultation meetings with Free Trade Agreement partner countries. Exchange (FTA) and ASEAN Dialogue Partner Countries.

The meeting was held as part of a series of 54th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meetings (AEMs) from September 16-18, 2022, in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Countries involved in the meeting included Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and India as FTA partner countries, as well as dialogue partner countries of ASEAN, namely the United States, Russia, Canada and the European Union. . .

“Cooperation that needs to be improved includes strengthening regional supply chains, trade facilitation, digital economy, development of green technologies and support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs),” the Minister said. Deputy Minister of Commerce of the Republic of Indonesia, Jerry Sambuaga. in his official statement.

During 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. ASEAN-ALE 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,” he added.

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

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.

“In the meantime, Hong Kong has expressed interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement,” he explained.

“In the meantime, with Canada, we agree that discussions must be intensified to reach mutually beneficial solutions, including on emerging issues such as labour, the environment and inclusive trade,” Jerry said.