Santoso stated that the cooperation involved several sectors, such as sustainability and connectivity, and the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is beneficial in realizing business opportunities for business actors on both sides.
He noted that Indonesia welcomed various discussions to open up business opportunities under the US-ABC.
"The US-ABC is an important platform to encourage public-private dialogue on various digital issues, including best practices and opportunities related to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data governance," he remarked in a statement from his office on Friday.
He expressed hope that the US-ABC collaboration would create new business opportunities and strive for inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
Regarding sustainability, the minister also emphasized the need for a regional strategy to strengthen sustainable economic growth in ASEAN.
He then highlighted the central role of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) in ASEAN's sustainability agenda, as green and renewable energy is important in driving a sustainable future in the region.
In this meeting, he also drew attention to ASEAN's commitment to increasing innovation, competitiveness, and supply chain resilience in the region.
He encouraged ASEAN and the US to collaborate on supply chain aspects in various industries.
On the DEFA issue, Santoso lauded the US-ABC for organizing a workshop on the non-discriminatory treatment of digital products for negotiators on the sidelines of the 7th DEFA Negotiations.
"This workshop will strengthen ASEAN's commitment to an integrated digital market, establish fair and competitive trade policies, and encourage innovation and inclusivity across the region," he highlighted.
In 2023, the total trade between ASEAN and the US was recorded at US$395.9 billion, making the US the second-largest trading partner for the region.
ASEAN's main exports to the US include telephone devices of US$32.2 billion, automatic data processing machines and their units (US$16.2 billion), electronic integrated circuits (US$16.01 billion), semiconductor devices (US$15.6 billion), and other furniture and parts (US$9.14 billion).
Meanwhile, ASEAN's main imports from the US include turbojets, turbo propellers, and other gas turbines worth US$13.2 billion; petroleum oil (US$13.04 billion); electronic integrated circuits (US$9.3 billion); aircraft and space equipment (US$5.8 billion); and airplanes and helicopters (US$5.4 billion).
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Translator: Maria Cicilia G P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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