EU Ambassador Sowan Retired To Coordinating Minister Airlangga, Affirms Indonesian Commodities Remain Priority

Photo: Doc. Coordinating Ministry for the Economy

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto received a visit from the European Union Ambassador to Indonesia Vincent Piket at his office in Jakarta.

It was stated that the meeting was a momentum for separation and appreciation for the cooperation and collaboration that had been well established during his tenure in Indonesia.

Coordinating Minister Airlangga thanked Ambassador Piket for his contribution in strengthening relations between Indonesia and the European Union and hoped that this cooperation could continue to develop in the future, where there is still great potential that can be developed and utilized by both parties.

"The Indonesian government affirms its commitment to continue to encourage the completion of the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) negotiations," he said in a written statement quoted Wednesday, August 16.

Airlangga underlined that the IEU-CEPA is an important instrument to expand market access and increase the competitiveness of Indonesian products in the European Union market. The Coordinating Minister also stated that he would continue to be optimistic and realistic in achieving common goals that benefit both parties.

"The two Heads of State have submitted a commitment to settle the IEU-CEPA Negotiation by the end of this year or no later than early 2024. Both parties need to prioritize creative and flexible steps in order to find a balance point from the negotiation agreement," he said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Piket appreciated Coordinating Minister Airlangga for his support in increasing bilateral economic cooperation between Indonesia and the European Union.

"I would like to thank you for the harmonious cooperation and relationship so far, especially for Pak Airlangga's leadership in handling economic cooperation policies with the European Union. Coordinating Minister Airlangga is also always willing and open to dialogue on various issues of economic cooperation related to bilateral economic relations," he said.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister Airlangga and Ambassador Piket welcomed the progress of the first meeting of the Joint Task Force related to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) which was held earlier this month. Both agreed that the cooperation was important to ensure the sustainability of strategic commodity supply chains such as palm oil, coffee, rubber, wood, and cocoa.

Ending the meeting, Ambassador Piket expressed support for Indonesia's planned accession to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He hopes that this process can help Indonesia improve the quality of public policy and governance.

For information, Ambassador Vincent Piket, who has served as Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam since 2019, will end his tenure at the end of August 2023. His position will be replaced by Ambassador Denis Chaibi, who currently serves as Ambassador of the European Union to Srilanka and the Maldives.

To note, the total value of bilateral trade between Indonesia and the European Union in 2022 reached 33.16 billion US dollars. This figure has increased by 14 percent from the total trade between the two countries in 2021. Meanwhile, the value of Foreign Investment (PMA) from the European Union in the first quarter of 2023 increased by 87 percent year on year (yoy).