Deputy Minister of Trade Optimistic IEU-CEPA Negotiations Will Finish Before New Government Inauguration

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesian Deputy Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga has expressed optimism regarding the successful conclusion of negotiations for the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) before the inauguration of the new Indonesian government. He emphasized the substantial progress made by both parties in the ongoing discussions.

“The Indonesian government is confident that the IEU-CEPA negotiations will be finalized soon,” Jerry stated in a press release issued by the Trade Ministry on Saturday, September 28.

He acknowledged that several key topics, including export duties, import permits, raw materials, and electronics, still require further deliberation. However, he noted that significant headway has been made on issues such as government procurement practices and state-owned enterprise regulations. 

“We hope to conclude the IEU-CEPA negotiations by the end of October, in alignment with President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) target, before the inauguration of the new government,” he said.

Previously, Director General of International Trade Negotiations Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono had highlighted the challenges inherent in the IEU-CEPA negotiations, which have been ongoing for nine years. He emphasized the need for both parties to find common ground on policy matters.

“Certain policy issues remain unresolved, meaning that we are still looking for a true middle ground on those issues,” Djatmiko remarked during a press conference at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

OYUK IVANI S | HAN REVANDA PUTRA | PETIR GARDA B

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