Indonesia, Canada Seal Trade Deal Covering 15% of Global Economy as Jakarta Also Courts UK, Bulgaria

Indonesia, Canada Seal Trade Deal Covering 15% of Global Economy as Jakarta Also Courts UK, Bulgaria

Indonesia is racing to lock in a sweeping trade pact with Canada while simultaneously widening its commercial reach into Europe, with new talks in London and Sofia signaling a broader push to diversify its economic partners.

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Indonesia and Canada are preparing to fully implement the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) by late 2026, a deal both sides say will strengthen trade and economic ties [243240]. The agreement's momentum was underscored by a meeting between Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, where the two discussed cooperation on critical minerals — raw materials essential for batteries, electronics, and renewable energy systems — as well as nuclear energy [243226]. Further details of that meeting were not immediately available [243226].

In a separate push, Indonesia's Trade Ministry moved to strengthen trade and economic ties with the United Kingdom during a visit to London, with the two sides discussing ways to expand market access and boost economic cooperation [243233]. The visit signals growing momentum for closer commercial relations between the two countries [243233].

Indonesia also deepened its outreach to Bulgaria, with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming meeting Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Poulev, who also serves as Bulgaria's Minister of Transport and Communications, to discuss strengthening relations [241985]. The two countries are additionally exploring ways to expand market access for agricultural and food products, though details including which products are involved were not immediately available [241992].

On the diplomatic front, China's Foreign Minister met with the chairman of Indonesia's National Economic Council, with the two sides exchanging views on bilateral relations and economic cooperation, according to an official statement [243269]. No further details were immediately released [243269].

Sources

Indonesia-Canada trade deal nears final approval #243240Indonesia, Canada Discuss Critical Minerals and Nuclear Energy Cooperation #243226Indonesia, UK Push for Stronger Trade Ties in London #243233Indonesia, Bulgaria discuss stronger ties #241985Indonesia, Bulgaria eye bigger food and farm markets #241992China's top diplomat meets Indonesia's economic chief #243269

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