"Indonesia encourages substantial enhancement of ASEAN-EU cooperation, and we are ready to work constructively with all ASEAN countries and EU partners to delve into a deeper economic integration," the deputy minister stated, according to a ministry statement on Thursday.
Her remarks were delivered during the 21st ASEAN Economic Ministers–EU Trade Commissioner Consultation, held on September 25, 2025, as part of the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which took place from September 22 to 26, 2025.
According to Roro Esti, the consultative meeting between ASEAN and the EU also discussed regional and global economic challenges, including tensions that caused uncertainty and affected supply chain stability and small businesses.
ASEAN and the EU reiterated their shared commitment to implement a predictable, transparent, free, fair, inclusive, sustainable, and rules-based multilateral trade regime with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules as its basis, she said.
"Ongoing economic challenges and global tension emphasized the importance of maintaining closer economic cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union," Roro Esti remarked.
Meanwhile, the deputy minister commended EU partners for their contribution in completing the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA) after nine years of negotiations.
She expressed hope that the trade agreement will be ratified by the two parties and can be implemented soon.
Trade Ministry data showed that Indonesia-EU trade reached US$18 billion between January and July 2025, marking a 4.34 percent increase from the same period last year.
In 2024, bilateral trade totaled US$30.40 billion, with Indonesia recording a surplus of US$4.4 billion.
The I-EU CEPA removes up to 98 percent of tariffs, eliminates most barriers on goods and services, and paves the way for greater investment.
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Translator: Kelik Dewanto, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Arie Novarina
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