Indonesia has expressed strong support for ASEAN’s plan to eventually pursue a region‑to‑region free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, reaffirmed during the recent ASEAN‑EU ministerial talks hosted by Brunei Darussalam. Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir described the proposed FTA as strategic and mutually beneficial, especially amid rising global protectionism. While formal negotiations have not yet begun, both blocs emphasized that cooperation should deliver tangible economic benefits, with expanded market access for businesses on both sides. Progress at the bilateral level is helping pave the way for a broader ASEAN‑EU deal. Indonesia’s own agreement with the EU is nearing completion, pending legal scrubbing before ratification, with zero‑tariff access expected to start in January. Singapore and Vietnam have already concluded their FTAs with the EU, while negotiations with Thailand and Malaysia are ongoing. ASEAN‑EU trade reached about US$320 billion in 2025, underscoring the significance of deeper integration, and officials believe existing bilateral agreements will make a future bloc‑to‑bloc FTA easier to achieve, particularly for less‑developed ASEAN members.Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/business/indonesia-backs-euasean-trade-pact-plan-no-timeline-yet (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Jakarta Globe, 29 April 2026