Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has received support from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) partner countries to achieve various priorities this year and agreed to encourage increased cooperation and economic relations.
This was raised at the Second Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials for the Fifty-Fourth ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting (SEOM 2/54) held on May 22-26, 2023, in Jakarta.
"The meeting identified several economic priorities that are experiencing problems because there is domestic readiness in various ASEAN countries. However, we are optimistic that, with intensive discussions, Indonesia will be able to push for all economic priorities to be achieved this year," Director of ASEAN Negotiations, as the alternate SEOM Chair Dina Kurniasari, noted in a written statement in Jakarta, Wednesday.
Several other issues discussed at the meeting were various developments in cooperation and negotiations with partner countries.
In particular, ASEAN also discussed various developments in cooperation and developments with partner countries. The meeting was also attended by several ASEAN partner countries, i.e., United States (US), China, Japan, Canada, South Korea, and India. The new issues discussed include the digital economy and the green economy.
Related news: ASEAN, Canada continue FTA discussion to anticipate economic slowdown
During the meeting of ASEAN and China, Kurniasari said that Indonesia emphasized the importance of resolving various cases of trade barriers to encourage more optimal implementation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA). In addition, an important capacity-building program was carried out to encourage the completion of the ACFTA upgrading negotiations.
Kurniasari said, at the meeting of ASEAN and India, Indonesia had agreed that it was necessary to develop a more feasible work plan to encourage the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreements (AITIGA) negotiations next year. Meanwhile, during the meeting with Canada, it was agreed that it was necessary to intensify discussions regarding outstanding issues.
At the meeting, Indonesia also conveyed the latest developments regarding preparations for the ASEAN Economic Ministerial Meeting that will be held on August 17-21, 2023, in Semarang, Central Java, which will also invite ASEAN Dialogue Partner Ministers. At that meeting, a Tariff Finder and ASEAN Online Sales day (AOSD) will be launched.
Related news: ASEAN should act together to continue inclusive growth: Minister
Related news: Supporting ASEAN SMEs crucial to economic growth: US Ambassador
