The Deputy Trade Minister of Indonesia, Dyah Roro Esti, stated that the government is pushing to deepen economic and trade cooperation among the member countries of Developing-8 (D-8). This was said during the 4th Trade Ministers Council meeting (4th D-8 TMC) in Cairo, Egypt on December 2, 2025. The D-8 group includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Roro Esti emphasized that amid global uncertainty — like geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions, and rising protectionism — the existing D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) could play a central role in boosting intra-D-8 trade. However, Indonesia urges that the PTA be upgraded into a full Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). She highlighted potential growth areas such as halal products and industry, and underlined the importance of private-sector participation. Indonesia has also offered to host the next D-8 Trade Ministers Council meeting during its chairmanship in 2026–2027, hoping member states bring their business actors for activities like business matching and business forums.
