Minister Ng advances progress on Canada-Indonesia comprehensive economic partnership agreement and reinforces Canada-ASEAN partnership during productive visit to Indonesia

October 12, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, concluded a successful visit to Indonesia during which she met with a number of Indonesian government officials to strengthen bilateral trade as Canada and Indonesia celebrate 70years of diplomatic relations this year. Minister Ng also met with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) officials to reinforce Canada-ASEAN relations.

In Jakarta, Minister Ng met with Airlangga Hartato, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, and Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Minister of Industry. At this meeting, Minister Ng underlined the importance of an ambitious Canada-Indonesia comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) and reaffirmed that the successful conclusion of negotiations is a priority for Canada. She also highlighted the significant Canadian investments in Indonesia and opportunities for further collaboration.

The Minister reiterated trade and investment opportunities in her meeting with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment. Minister Ng discussed strengthening Canada’s ties in the Indo-Pacific and the ongoing collaboration between Canada and Indonesia in diverse sectors, including clean energy transition and electric vehicle supply chain development.

Minister Ng also met with Retno L. P. Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and discussed deepening trade and people-to-people ties through a bilateral CEPA and a strong Canada-ASEAN partnership. Minister Ng also expressed Canada’s support for Indonesia’s G20 Presidency.

Furthermore, the Minister met with Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Investment, and underlined Canada’s growing investments in Indonesia and areas of mutual interest including green energy, digital technologies, and infrastructure. The ministers agreed to continue working toward expanding inclusive trade and investment that benefits everyone.

In her meeting with Zainut Tauhid Sa’adi, Vice-Minister of Religious Affairs, Minister Ng encouraged continued progress toward the recognition of Canadian halal certification bodies, which would support the resumption of Canadian exports of high-quality Canadian halal food products, including beef, to Indonesia as soon as possible.

During her time in Jakarta, Minister Ng also visited the ASEAN Secretariat and met with Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN. Marking the 45th anniversary of Canada-ASEAN partner relations, the Minister noted Canada’s deep engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and that it would be beneficial for all parties for Canada to be elevated to the level of Strategic Partner of ASEAN this year. The Minister also thanked the Secretary-General for his continuous support and his role in advancing negotiations toward a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement.

Minister Ng also held a discussion with the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, and reaffirmed Canada’s support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. She stressed the importance of upholding the rules-based international order in the face of the global economic disruptions caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and she reiterated Canada’s support for the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus on addressing the crisis in Myanmar.

During her visit, Minister Ng met with diverse Canadian and Indonesian business leaders, including women entrepreneurs, to discuss efforts to create greater opportunities for inclusive trade and investment. She also visited Bogasari Flour Mills, one of the biggest flour mills in the world, which imports high-quality wheat from Canada—an excellent example of Canadian-Indonesian collaboration, which is helping to address food security issues in the world.