Post by : Shakul

Indonesia is moving to strengthen its trade and investment partnership with Singapore as part of efforts to boost regional economic cooperation in Southeast Asia. Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti held a bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong during the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat in Taguig, Philippines.

During the meeting, Esti highlighted the positive growth in trade between the two countries. Indonesia-Singapore trade increased by 14.6 percent in the past five years, rising from $16.85 billion in 2020 to $19.32 billion in 2025. Indonesia also emphasized opportunities to diversify exports and increase the share of higher value-added products in the Singaporean market.

Both sides discussed regional economic initiatives, including the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Indonesia also reaffirmed its commitment to continue the accession process to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to strengthen economic integration in the Indo-Pacific region.

Indonesia Expands Economic Cooperation With Malaysia

In a separate meeting, Esti also held talks with Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Sim Tze Tzin to enhance bilateral trade cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

Trade between Indonesia and Malaysia reached $24.22 billion in 2025, reflecting strong economic relations and growing opportunities for further collaboration in high-value sectors.

Both countries discussed strengthening cooperation through mechanisms such as the Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) and the Malaysia–Indonesia Investment Committee (MIIC). Officials also talked about improving cross-border trade, including accelerating the normalization of trade activities at the Entikong–Tebedu border crossing under the 2023 Border Trade Agreement (BTA).

Indonesia stressed that stronger trade ties with Singapore and Malaysia will support regional economic growth and deepen economic integration within ASEAN.

#Singapore News #Indonesia News #Malaysia News #Politics