Indonesia emphasized the importance of sustainable development for developing countries at the 3rd G20 Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) 2024 under Brazil's presidency. The meeting, held from 26 to 28 June 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, focused on trade and sustainable development, among other key issues. Director General of International Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, led the Indonesian delegation. The meeting discussed the outcome documents of four priority agendas: the relationship between trade and sustainable development, increasing the role of women in international trade, integrating sustainable development into international investment agreements, and reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO) to strengthen the multilateral trading system. Brazil’s presidency emphasized the role of trade in achieving sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The proposed 'G20 Principles for the Design and Implementation of Trade-Related Sustainable Development Measures' includes 17 principles guiding G20 countries toward sustainable development. Indonesia appreciated Brazil's efforts and encouraged avoiding unilateral environmental or climate policies that could hinder trade.
Regarding women's participation in international trade, the 'G20 Compendium of Best Practice to Increase Women’s Participation in International Trade' was discussed. This document shares information and best practices to enhance women's roles in trade. Indonesia emphasized financial access and capacity-building for women, proposing blended finance programs, gender-disaggregated data, and digitalization. In the context of integrating sustainable development into international investment agreements, Brazil, with UNCTAD and OECD, introduced a document mapping sustainable development provisions. Indonesia stressed the need for investment facilitation focused on sustainable development. On the sidelines, Djatmiko held bilateral meetings with Brazilian officials to discuss the Indonesia-MERCOSUR Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to diversify market access and increase exports. The meeting also addressed WTO reform and strengthening the multilateral trading system, with Indonesia supporting Brazil's draft paragraph for the Leaders’ Declaration, emphasizing fair and inclusive trade and accelerating Dispute Settlement System reform by the end of 2024.
