Indonesia-Canada Business Forum in Montreal Hopes for Implementation of ICA-CEPA
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Ottawa held an Indonesia-Canada business gathering in Montreal, coinciding with the Salon International de l’Alimentation Canada 2026. The forum, held on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, served as a strategic platform to bring together business actors from both countries across various sectors.
The event was attended by more than 100 Indonesian and Canadian businesspeople operating in fields such as food and beverages, financial services, energy, and the creative industry. This occasion was utilised to expand networks and open new collaboration opportunities.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Canada, Muhsin Syihab, expressed hopes that the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) would be implemented soon. The agreement was previously signed in September 2025 during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Canada.
“This agreement is expected to significantly facilitate ease of doing business between Indonesia and Canada. Thus, it can open broader export opportunities and encourage Canadian investment in Indonesia,” he stated in a written press release received on Saturday, 2 May 2026.
The same sentiment was echoed by Canadian Member of Parliament Yasir Naqvi, who also serves as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade of Canada. He assessed that ICA-CEPA could serve as a model for Canada’s cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
“This agreement represents a form of cooperation that can serve as a model for Canada. Particularly in exploring partnerships with Indo-Pacific countries,” he said.
The business forum also involved several key institutions such as the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, Export Development Canada, and Trade Facilitation Office Canada. Their presence strengthened discussions on bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
Business actors welcomed the progress of ICA-CEPA positively and hoped that the ratification process could be completed soon. They assessed that the agreement would provide certainty and ease in conducting cross-border business.
In addition, participants also appreciated the organisation of the forum, which was deemed effective in connecting potential business partners. Several business actors have even obtained follow-up commitments from the meeting results.
This activity is part of the economic diplomacy efforts of the KBRI Ottawa in enhancing trade and investment relations between Indonesia and Canada. Through forums like this, it is hoped that collaboration between the two countries will grow stronger and provide mutually beneficial economic advantages.