Indonesia’s Trade Minister Budi Santoso expressed optimism that the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) will soon be finalized, citing productive negotiations between both parties. The government aims to conclude the deal in the first half of 2025, with continued efforts to expedite the process. The agreement is seen as especially significant in the context of rising global trade tensions, including recent U.S. tariff policies. Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasized that the IEU-CEPA would be a strategic driver for Indonesia’s economic growth, particularly benefiting labor-intensive manufacturing sectors like textiles by allowing tariff-free access to European markets. He confirmed the ministry’s approval of the agreement and support for its immediate signing. Since 2016, Indonesia and the EU have held 19 negotiation rounds addressing various areas including trade, investment, and regulatory alignment, with Indonesia reaffirming its commitment to expanding market access and strengthening economic ties with the EU.Source: https://en.antaranews.com/news/355621/indonesia-confident-in-immediate-completion-of-ieu-cepa-negotiation?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=mobile&utm_campaign=latest_category (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: ANTARA NEWS, 18 May 2025