APEC MRT 2026 Bilateral Meeting: Indonesia Accelerates Trade Relations with Four Partner Nations
Jakarta – Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri conducted a series of bilateral meetings during the APEC Ministers’ Responsible for Trade (MRT) 2026, held in Suzhou, China on 22–23 May 2026.
The bilateral meetings were held with representatives from Vietnam, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore to discuss trade relationship developments and contemporary trade issues. This strategic initiative was undertaken to map the direction of international trade relations whilst ensuring tangible benefits for the domestic economy.
“Today in Suzhou has been highly productive. We have met and discussed with representatives from Vietnam, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore to chart the direction of our trade relations. Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that this bilateral cooperation delivers concrete benefits for our business operators and society in general,” Deputy Minister Roro stated in her official remarks.
During the meeting with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, Deputy Minister Roro expressed Indonesia’s appreciation for Vietnam’s leadership as chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) 2026, particularly in maintaining the momentum and credibility of the agreement amid growing interest from prospective member countries.
Indonesia remains committed to pursuing accession to CPTPP constructively and in accordance with the agreement’s standards and principles. “Indonesia believes that accession will strengthen ASEAN representation in CPTPP and enhance Southeast Asia’s strategic relevance in the evolving regional trade architecture,” Deputy Minister Roro stated.
In the meeting with Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau, both countries discussed ASEAN–Hong Kong economic cooperation. Deputy Minister Roro noted that since its implementation in 2020, the ASEAN–Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA) has continued to play an important role in strengthening Indonesia–Hong Kong economic relations.
“Indonesia is committed to maximising the benefits of this agreement and is currently advancing the domestic ratification process for the First Amendment Protocol to AHKFTA to complete the required internal procedures as soon as possible,” she stated.
Indonesia also greatly valued its strong partnership with Hong Kong, particularly in trade and investment. As one of Indonesia’s major investment partners, Hong Kong continues to contribute to deepening regional economic cooperation under the ASEAN–Hong Kong, China Investment Agreement (AHKIA).
In a subsequent bilateral meeting with New Zealand’s Minister of Trade and Investment Todd McClay, Indonesia expressed confidence that both countries could achieve a bilateral trade target of NZD 6 billion by 2029 as outlined in the 2025–2029 Action Plan already agreed by both countries. According to Deputy Minister Roro, in pursuit of this target, both countries remain actively committed to promoting the effective utilisation of existing international trade agreements, including AANZFTA, RCEP, and CPTPP.
New Zealand’s Minister of Trade and Investment Todd McClay stated that Indonesia and New Zealand had agreed to promote business-to-business facilitation and to consider undertaking trade mission activities. New Zealand also invited Indonesia to support calls for maintaining the smooth flow of global supply chains, particularly essential goods and services amid international uncertainty. “New Zealand will promote a statement on the importance of maintaining global supply chain continuity at international forums such as APEC and ASEAN,” he emphasised.
In responding to the current geopolitical situation, Indonesia is committed to strengthening trade resilience through export diversification, optimising existing trade agreements, and enhancing alternative connectivity and shipping routes. “Indonesia also remains committed to supporting businesses and exporters through trade facilitation, technical assistance, and exploration of non-traditional markets,” Deputy Minister Roro stated.
In the bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Minister of Trade Relations Grace Fu, Indonesia expressed its appreciation for Singapore as a principal strategic partner and fellow ASEAN member that has consistently supported regional economic integration and rules-based trade cooperation.
Deputy Minister Roro explained that Indonesia would welcome Singapore’s views on Indonesia’s CPTPP accession, including any technical or policy issues that might require further clarification. “Indonesia hopes for Singapore’s support in ensuring that the momentum of Indonesia’s accession process is maintained and can advance to the next stage,” she concluded.