Speaking to the press in Brussels on Saturday local time during President Prabowo Subianto's state visit to Belgium, Hartarto said the agreement negotiations are entering their final stage.
"We've entered the 10th year of IEU-CEPA negotiations, with more than 19 rounds. All issues will be finalized," he said.
Hartarto noted that the agreement — which will allow Indonesian products to enter the European market with zero tariffs — is expected to be signed in Jakarta in the third quarter of 2025. The official date will be announced later by President Prabowo.
He affirmed that all obstacles in the negotiation process have been resolved, despite challenges posed by global geopolitical dynamics.
Hartarto also said Indonesia's current bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has bolstered its position as a strategic partner of the European Union (EU).
He added that Indonesia is seen as having strong economic growth prospects within ASEAN, making it a key partner and leader in regional cooperation.
He emphasized that the IEU-CEPA is designed to benefit both Indonesia and the EU.
Hartarto is among the cabinet ministers accompanying President Prabowo, who is scheduled to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and King Philippe of Belgium.
According to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, EU-Indonesia trade relations have shown strong growth, with bilateral trade reaching US$30.1 billion in 2024.
Indonesia's trade surplus with the EU also rose significantly, reaching US$4.5 billion in 2024 — an increase of US$2.5 billion from the previous year.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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