ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia reaffirmed its position as a key global trade partner through the Indonesia–EFTA Business Dialogue held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD, South Tangerang, on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
The event, part of the prestigious Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2025, marked a new chapter in the implementation of the Indonesia–EFTA Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EFTA CEPA), connecting Indonesia with four influential European economies — Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Since its entry into force in November 2021, the I-EFTA CEPA has opened vast opportunities for market access, investment, and capacity-building cooperation. This year’s dialogue served as a strategic platform to further deepen Indonesia’s economic diplomacy and trade partnership toward an inclusive and sustainable global trade ecosystem.
In her opening remarks, Zelda Wulan Kartika, Senior Advisor for Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the government’s strong commitment to ensuring the full and sustainable implementation of the CEPA.
“The government will continue to act as a proactive facilitator. However, the true success of CEPA lies in the hands of Indonesian businesses — they must seize the enormous opportunities that this partnership brings,” she said.
Her message echoed Indonesia’s strategy to diversify export destinations beyond traditional markets, especially toward EFTA countries, which are known for their high purchasing power and rigorous product standards.
EFTA: Indonesia Gains Competitive Edge Amid Global Trade Uncertainty
Meanwhile, Markus Schlagenhof, Deputy Secretary-General of EFTA and Chief Negotiator of the I-EFTA CEPA, highlighted that agreements like CEPA provide much-needed legal certainty for businesses amid global trade volatility.
“CEPA enhances Indonesia’s export competitiveness, making Indonesian products more attractive and accessible to EFTA markets,” he stated.
He added that this cooperation benefits not only exporters but also drives job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth across Indonesia’s key sectors.
Addressing Tariffs, Barriers, and Market Access
The dialogue featured presentations from Cristian Ugarte (EFTA Secretariat) and Aldi Rakhman (Directorate General of Customs and Excise, Ministry of Finance), covering topics such as preferential tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and dispute settlement mechanisms under the CEPA framework.
A panel discussion followed, featuring Mathias Domenig (Deputy Head of Mission, Swiss Embassy in Indonesia), Aris Darujo (Swiss Import Promotion Programme/SIPPO), and Ian Christian Burman (Norwegian Food Safety Authority/Mattilsynet), who shared insights on export opportunities and regulatory access for agri-food products to EFTA member countries.
Moderated by Yustinus Wahyo from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), the session served as a vital networking forum connecting government officials, business leaders, and industry associations from both regions.
Indonesia’s Economic Diplomacy in Action
The Indonesia–EFTA Business Dialogue 2025 underscored the nation’s determination to translate CEPA benefits into tangible results by boosting utilization rates and tariff savings.
This initiative aims to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a competitive, value-added, and sustainable exporter, particularly in the agri-food, processed goods, and green industry sectors.
Ultimately, the dialogue reflects Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to advancing global economic diplomacy in line with its Asta Cita national development vision — fostering a resilient, independent, and globally integrated economy. (AT Network)
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