The round will also feature one expert discussion on state-owned enterprises.
Director general of international trade negotiations at the Trade Ministry, Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, said that Indonesia has encouraged the chairs discussing the negotiation issues to intensify communication and be pragmatic to expedite the talk's conclusion.
"Although we have some unresolved issues, we are confident Indonesia and Canada can achieve the deal according to the target and benefit each other," Witjaksono said, according to a written statement released here on Tuesday.
The two parties have also agreed to organize a dialogue on critical minerals amid the negotiations, which opened in Ottawa, Canada, on Monday.
The discussion reflected the commitment to intensify strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Canada as major producers of critical minerals, the director general informed.
"(The dialogue) is proposed to explore the two countries' potentials in mineral resources processing and the development of new and renewable technologies," Witjaksono said.
Meanwhile, director for bilateral negotiation at the ministry and the deputy chief negotiator, Johni Martha, said that Indonesia and Canada share a commitment to resolve negotiation issues.
The issues expected to be covered in the current negotiation round include transparency, anti-corruption, responsible business conduct, temporary movement of people, and excise and trade facilitation, he informed.
"We also expect other negotiation issues to adhere to commitments stipulated on ICA-CEPA Negotiation Acceleration Work Programs agreed by the two countries," Martha added.
According to ministry data, the value of bilateral trade between Indonesia and Canada reached US$1.1 billion in January–April 2024. Indonesia's exports to Canada during the period were recorded at US$466 million, while its imports from Canada were valued at US$655 million.
Indonesia's main exports to Canada in 2023 were telephone equipment, natural rubber, and suitcases, while its main imports from Canada were wheat, fertilizers, soya beans, and sawdust.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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