Prabowo and Canadian PM Discuss New Cooperation Opportunities After ICA-CEPA Signing

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed opportunities for new cooperation following the signing of the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) last year, according to the Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia, Jess Dutton.

During a media briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday, the Canadian Ambassador revealed that the discussions took place via telephone between the two leaders on Saturday (6/6).

“PM Carney and President Prabowo identified opportunities to deepen trade cooperation between Canada and Indonesia, including within the context of ICA-CEPA,” said Ambassador Dutton regarding the conversation between the two leaders.

In addition to economic cooperation following the trade agreement, the two leaders also discussed the dynamics of conflict in the Middle East and its impact on energy markets and the global economy, he added.

The Canadian Ambassador further stated that the ICA-CEPA, which was signed in Ottawa in September 202<0xA0>5, is the first bilateral trade agreement established by Canada with an ASEAN member state.

With the implementation of this trade agreement, it will become easier for Canada to export its key commodities to Indonesia, including wheat, potash, timber, and soybeans.

Furthermore, the agreement provides a basis for the reduction or elimination of tariffs for more than 95 per cent of Canadian commodities currently exported to Indonesia, he noted.

Ambassador Dutton revealed that as of May 2026, the Canadian Parliament has completed the ratification process for the ICA-CEPA. With Canada having finalised its ratification, they are now awaiting progress in the same process within Indonesia.

Alongside matters regarding the ICA-CEPA and global dynamics, the Indonesian President and the Canadian PM also discussed the progress of negotiations for the Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during their conversation.

“PM Carney welcomed Indonesia’s continued support in advancing these shared objectives,” added Ambassador Dutton.

The ICA-CEPA was signed by representatives of both nations in Ottawa, Canada, on 24 September 2025, witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto and PM Mark Carney.

The implementation of the ICA-CEPA is projected to boost Indonesian exports to Canada to 11.8 billion USD by 2030, contributing an additional 0.12 per cent to national GDP growth and a 0.38 per cent increase in investment.