Apindo proposes special team to oversee IEU-CEPA implementation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) has proposed the establishment of a joint task force to oversee the ratification process through to the implementation of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA).

Apindo Chairwoman Shinta Kamdani said the team is needed to ensure that the provisions agreed in the agreement can be effectively implemented on the ground.

“That is why we at Apindo are proposing a joint task force for implementation at the technical level in the EU, but also at the country level,” Shinta said when met at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs office in Jakarta on Friday.

According to her, the special team will have two approaches, namely at the European Union technical level and at the individual country level.

At the technical level, the team will focus on policies and implementation that apply across the European Union as a whole. Meanwhile, at the country level, the team will oversee the implementation of IEU-CEPA in each EU member state.

Shinta said this approach is important for mapping the opportunities available in each EU member state. On the other hand, the government has also conducted studies to identify various opportunities that Indonesia can capitalise on.

“We see a great deal of interest in Indonesia. However, the question is how this agreement can provide benefits for companies, because if it is just an agreement but is not used, then it is of no use either,” she said.

Therefore, Shinta believes that outreach regarding the benefits of IEU-CEPA needs to be expanded, including to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Perhaps more outreach is needed, because many may not yet know about the benefits. This includes not only large businesses but also MSMEs, how they can enter the supply chain, and so on,” Shinta explained.

European Union Ambassador to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam Denis Chaibi appreciated Apindo’s proposal to form a special team to oversee the technical aspects of IEU-CEPA.

According to Chaibi, the special team could serve as a platform for EU member states to interact with the Indonesian government as IEU-CEPA is implemented.

“We appreciate that Apindo is proposing a joint task force so that business actors can be involved in the preparation of IEU-CEPA, not only technically but also bilaterally with ministers,” he said.