Indonesia, represented by Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, Director General of International Trade Negotiations, led the Indonesian delegation at the 38th ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) Council Meeting held in Vientiane, Laos, on Monday, 16 September. The meeting was chaired by Laos' Minister of Industry and Commerce, Malaithong Kommasith. The ASEAN Trade Negotiating Committee (ATIGA-TNC) reported progress in upgrading the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), aiming for its completion by 2025. Ministers acknowledged achievements in ASEAN/ATIGA goods trade, including the implementation of the e-Form D, resolution of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs), and the advancement of trade facilitation efforts, particularly through potential ASEAN Single Window collaboration with key partners like China, Korea, and Japan.

The council also recognized a steady increase in the utilization of ATIGA from 48.4% in 2021, 53.8% in 2022, to 58.0% in 2023. The delegation, led by Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, was accompanied by Adhyanti Sardanarini from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Addy Perdana Soemantry from the Indonesian Trade Attaché in Hanoi, and representatives from related ministries and institutions. This meeting signifies ASEAN's continued efforts in enhancing regional trade and economic cooperation, particularly in streamlining processes and reducing barriers to ensure smoother goods flow across borders. It concludes that ASEAN remains committed to advancing trade agreements that benefit the region's economies.

Source: https://www.kemendag.go.id/berita/foto/pertemuan-aem-38th-asean-free-trade-agreement-afta-council