Speaking at the Chile-Indonesia Trade Engagement Seminar here on Monday, Esti highlighted the strengthening ties between the two countries, particularly in trade and investment. This is evident from the increase in export values between the nations following the partnership.
“The implementation of the Indonesia-Chile CEPA has brought real benefits, as reflected in the average annual bilateral trade growth from around US$304 million before the agreement to US$446 million in the post-implementation period,” she explained.
The IC-CEPA has been in effect since 2019. Earlier this year, Indonesia also ratified the Trade in Services Protocol under the IC-CEPA agreement.
Esti noted that this marks a new chapter in bilateral relations, expanding cooperation beyond goods and services into other sectors such as architecture, engineering, construction, telecommunications, distribution, tourism, connectivity, energy, minerals, and sustainable development.
“Indonesia is very open to further collaboration, especially as we pursue a sustainable future for all,” she added.
Meanwhile, ProChile, Chile’s export promotion agency, emphasized that the meeting between policymakers and trade leaders from both countries aims to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore new collaboration opportunities.
It also affirms the role of trust, quality, and innovation in economic diplomacy.
ProChile Director General Ignacio Fernández stated that strengthening trade with ASEAN nations, particularly Indonesia, is a top priority, aiming to diversify Chile's export markets for sustainably produced food, premium wine, as well as services, technology, and the arts.
In January-March 2023, total bilateral trade between Indonesia and Chile reached US$120.2 million, an 8.67-percent increase from US$110.5 million in the same period last year (yoy).
In 2022, total trade stood at US$471.9 million, with Indonesia posting a surplus of US$201.9 million.
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Translator: Maria, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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