Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan hopes to conclude the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) negotiations promptly, in line with both nations' commitment to finalize the agreement by 2024. This was stated during his meeting with Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, Mary Ng, in Arequipa, Peru, on May 17. Accompanying Minister Zulkifli was the Director General of International Trade Negotiations, Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono. Zulkifli Hasan proposed integrating labor, environment, and inclusive trade issues under the chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development within the ICA-CEPA negotiations. The ICA-CEPA negotiations, launched on June 21, 2021, have reached their 7th round, which took place in Semarang, Central Java, from March 4-8, 2024. The 8th round is scheduled for June 24-28, 2024, in Ottawa, Canada.
The ministers also discussed ASEAN-Canada economic cooperation, including the ASEAN Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) negotiations. Zulkifli Hasan congratulated Canada on obtaining halal recognition for its beef. Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) conducted an accreditation visit and conformity assessment to Canadian halal institutions, namely the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of Canada and Halal Montreal Certification Authority Inc., in August 2023. Additionally, Zulkifli Hasan encouraged cooperation in live cattle imports from Canada and invited Canadian investment in processing sectors such as minerals, agriculture, and food. In 2023, Canada ranked 28th as an export destination and 16th as an import source for Indonesia. From January to March 2024, the total trade between the two countries reached USD 878.9 million. Indonesian exports to Canada were USD 366.1 million, while imports from Canada were USD 512.8 million. In 2023, total trade amounted to USD 3.5 billion, with Indonesia exporting USD 1.3 billion and importing USD 2.1 billion. Indonesia’s main exports to Canada include telecommunication devices, precious metal scrap, natural rubber, motor parts and accessories, and luggage. Major imports from Canada include wheat, mineral or chemical fertilizers, soybeans, chemical wood pulp, and wood pulp.
Source: https://www.kemendag.go.id/berita/pojok-media/mendag-dorong-kerjasama-impor-sapi-hidup-dengan-kanada
