InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — Coordinator Minister in Economy Indonesian Republic, Airlangga Hartarto did meet some European Union ambassadors to discuss the completion acceleration of Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA). It was in the office of Coordinator Ministry in Economy and emphasized that Indonesia would be strongly committed to accomplish the bilateral trade agreement.

He also emphasized that I-EU CEPA would escalate the trade relationship and investment between both parties. "Accomplishing I-EU CEPA would significantly open the economic chances by increasing the real gross domestic product that reached EUR 5,2 billion for Indonesia and EUR 3,1 billion for European Union in 2032,” he said, as in the official statement to InfoSAWIT, Thursday (26/9/2024).

European Union is one biggest strategic partner for Indonesia. It was in the fifth rank of the biggest trade partner. In 2023, the total trade for both parties reached US$ 30,77 billion and Indonesia got trade surplus that reached US$ 2,5 billion. The positive trade continued for the past five years with the total trade surplus for Indonesia that reached US$ 23,95 billion.

Airlangga also said about the negotiation that lasted for the past nine years. For President Joko Widodo reminded, the negotiation should be accomplished before the new government regulates.

In the same chance, General Director of International Trade Negotiation, Ministry of Trade, Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono said that Indonesia significantly did some things heading to "landing zone" that both parties could accept. "We would do the best to accomplish some main concerns to get concrete solutions that would be profitable for both parties,” Djatmiko said.

The European Union ambassadors that attended the meeting emphasized their supports to accomplish I-EU CEPA. They came to a conclusion that this would potentially reinforce the economic relationship, escalate profitable trade between the two by prioritizing profitable principles for both parties and satisfaction for the two.

In the meeting, Airlangga was with the deputy in International Economic Cooperation Coordination and deputy of Industry and Commerce, Coordinator Ministry in Economy; and expert staff of Economic Diplomancy Ministry of External Affairs. (T2)