Indonesian Ambassador to Canada Pushes for ICA-CEPA Implementation in Second Half of 2026
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Canada, Muhsin Syihab, is pushing for the ratification of the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) to be implemented as soon as possible in the second half of 2026.
The statement was delivered at the Indonesia-Canada Business Meeting held by the Indonesian Embassy in Montreal, coinciding with the SIAL Canada 2026 event, according to a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa on Saturday.
“This agreement is expected to significantly facilitate business activities between Indonesia and Canada, open up broader export opportunities for Indonesian products, and encourage Canadian investment in Indonesia,” the Ambassador said.
The business meeting, attended by more than 100 business actors from both countries, served as a strategic platform to connect business players in various sectors, including food and beverages, financial services, energy, and creative industries.
The event leveraged the momentum of SIAL Canada 2026, which takes place from 29 April to 1 May 2026 at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. Indonesia participated through the Indonesian Pavilion, showcasing a variety of flagship products from national business actors.
In his remarks, Ambassador Muhsin reiterated the hope that the ratification of ICA-CEPA, signed during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Ottawa in September 2025, could be implemented promptly in the second half of 2026.
He expressed hope that the agreement would open up broader export opportunities for Indonesian products and encourage Canadian investment in Indonesia.
Support for the agreement was also voiced by Canadian MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and Minister of International Development, Yasir Naqvi. He described the agreement as a model for Canada’s cooperation in exploring partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
The progress of ICA-CEPA was enthusiastically welcomed by business actors from both countries present at the forum. The Indonesian and Canadian business communities hope that the bilateral agreement can be ratified soon.
Participants also responded positively to the Indonesia-Canada business meeting and hope that similar forums can be held regularly to strengthen networks among business actors. Several participants even stated that they had obtained follow-up commitments from partners met at the forum.
Ambassador Muhsin described the meeting as part of the economic diplomacy efforts of the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa to promote increased bilateral trade and investment, while also promoting Indonesian flagship products in the Canadian and North American markets.
The event was held informally and featured a video screening on business opportunities and Indonesia’s macroeconomic conditions, as well as promotion of Trade Expo Indonesia 2026.