Indonesia Asks For German Support In The OECD Accession Process

The Indonesian government's working visit to Berlin, Germany on October 30-31, 2023 (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government is strengthening bilateral cooperation and garnering support from the German government in the process of accessing Indonesia at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

This hope was conveyed by the Government through the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs during a working visit to Berlin, Germany on 30-31 October 2023 in order to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

As is known, Germany is the country with the largest economy in the European Union, Indonesia's largest trading partner in the European Union, as well as one of the founding countries of OECD.

Deputy for Coordination of International Economic Cooperation at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy Edi Pambudi and delegates had the opportunity to hold several meetings with the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.

In a meeting with the Head of the German Department of International Economic Policy, International Trade and Bilateral Economic Cooperation Ralph Böhme and the Director General of Trade at the Ministry of Economics and Climate Action of Germany Dominik Schnichles, Deputy Edi expressed Indonesia's appreciation for the economic cooperation that has been well established between the two countries.

In addition, the Minister of State of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tobias Lindner, also provided support for the Indonesian OECD accession process.

The Indonesian government expects the support of the German Government in the process of accessing Indonesia's OECD and expressed appreciation for the German Government's support for the Indonesian membership process in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

As is known, Indonesia has officially become the 40th full member of the FATF. The Indonesian membership was conveyed by the President of FATF at the closing of the FATF plenary meeting in Paris, France on October 27, 2023.

In addition to the OECD topic, the meeting also discussed a follow-up plan for the Joint Declaration of Intent from the Joint Economic and Investment Committee Indonesia-German which was signed by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and the Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany in April 2023.

Delegation also discussed opportunities for cooperation and investment between the two countries in the Special Economic Zone in Indonesia, especially in the manufacturing sector and industrial estates.

Furthermore, Deputy Edi, who is also the Co-Sherpa G20 Indonesia, on this working visit also held a meeting with the Head of G7/G20 German Sherpa Office.

At the meeting at the Chancellor's Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, it was again expressed appreciation for Indonesia's role, both as the 2022 G20 Presidency and members of Troika at the 2023 India Presidency which was able to maintain the unity and relevance of the G20 in overcoming the latest global problems, including the health, food, energy crisis, and the humanitarian crisis caused by geopolitical conflicts.

The meeting also discussed the results of the G20 Summit in New Delhi 9-10September 2023 and the next priority of the G20 Presidency which will be led by Brazil.