Indonesia pushes to finalize ASEAN-Canada free trade deal this year
Speaking at the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference with Canada in Manila on Wednesday, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized the urgency of concluding the negotiations to drive inclusive economic growth across the region.
“The timely completion of the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) is a priority,” Sugiono said in a statement released by Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Beyond trade, the minister outlined several key pillars needed to support long-term regional stability, including enhanced food security, clean energy transition partnerships and active youth involvement in peacebuilding.
Addressing regional vulnerabilities, Sugiono highlighted Canada’s capacity to support Southeast Asia’s agricultural resilience. As the world’s top producer and exporter of potash—a key component of fertilizer—Canada plays a strategic role in stabilizing ASEAN’s food supply chain.
A resilient region requires strong cooperation on food security supported by reliable supply chains and sustainable agricultural productivity, he noted,
“Canada’s agricultural strength and expertise, along with its Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Food Office (IPAAO), offer opportunities to advance this agenda,” he stated.
Energy transition was also at the forefront of the discussions following the inaugural ASEAN-Canada Strategic Dialogue on Energy Security, which Sugiono praised as a concrete step toward deeper cooperation in clean energy development.
On regional security, the foreign minister urged the engagement of younger generations through the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) to advance the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
Concluding his remarks, Sugiono reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to global rules-based order—calling for consistent application of international law without double standards, particularly regarding the ongoing situation in Palestine.
The Manila meeting formally adopted the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action 2026–2030, establishing a strategic roadmap for political, security, economic and socio-cultural cooperation over the next five years.
ASEAN and Canada have maintained official dialogue relations since 1977 and are set to mark 50 years of diplomatic partnership next year.
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Translator: Cindy Frishanti Octavia, Yashinta Difa