Semarang, 24 August 2023 (TDI): Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng participated in the 12th Consultation between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers (AEM) on August 22, 2023.
Before the AEM meeting, Minister Mary Ng met with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan who is Indonesia’s coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs.
They held the first meeting of the Canada-Indonesia Economic Task Force which was decided during Minister Ng’s previous visit to Indonesia.
During their meeting, both ministers agreed to progress toward mutual objectives, including negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the creation of an environmentally friendly airport in North Kalimantan, strategic investments in infrastructure initiatives, and collaborative efforts on food security and agriculture.
Minister Ng also engaged in discussions with Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Qoumas during her visit to Jakarta.
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She highlighted the significance of restoring access to the Indonesian market for Canadian halal products, like halal beef and recognising the Canadian halal certification bodies.
Furthermore, Minister Ng also met with Indonesian Minister for Economic Affairs Hartarto, and Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan for the negotiations on forming a Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Moreover, Minister Ng participated in the 12th AEM and Canada Consultation. She affirmed Canada’s support for ASEAN centrality and its desire for a peaceful and developed Indo-Pacific region.
Furthermore, she highlighted the potential for partnership within the framework of the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific region.
Minister Ng expressed gratitude to ASEAN and its member states for their continuous support in finalizing the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership this year and progressing talks for a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement.
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Bilateral meetings were also held by Minister Ng with the international counterparts including Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn. She thanked SG Hourn for his continued support for the Canada-ASEAN free trade Agreement.
Lastly, Minister Ng expressed gratitude to Indonesia for hosting this year’s ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting.
