Indonesia, UK push for stronger trade ties in London

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Trade Ministry sought to strengthen trade and economic ties with the United Kingdom during a visit to London, highlighting the planned Indonesia-UK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Director General of International Trade Negotiations Johni Martha led the Indonesian delegation during its September 7 to 9, 2026, visit to London, according to a statement cited here on Thursday.

“We have met with several UK government institutions and stakeholders to strengthen bilateral trade through the establishment of the Indonesia-UK CEPA. We also appreciated the UK's support for Indonesia’s efforts to join the CPTPP,” he said.

Martha said the Trade Ministry projects that the Indonesia-UK CEPA would enhance the competitiveness of both countries by expanding market access, strengthening supply chains, addressing regulatory hurdles, and encouraging deeper ties in services trade and investment.

Strengthening the partnership is particularly important for Indonesia ahead of its exit from the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) starting January 1, 2027, he added.

Meanwhile, UK exports to Indonesia currently face most-favored-nation tariff rates ranging between 6 and 15 percent.

The bilateral trade between the two countries rose from US$2.57 billion in 2021 to US$2.66 billion in 2025.

In addition to engaging government institutions, the Trade Ministry convened representatives of 20 British companies and think tanks on September 8.

“Input from the business community is essential to accelerating the establishment of the Indonesia-UK CEPA,” Martha said.

The London agenda also included a visit to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), where the delegation discussed the welfare of smallholder coffee farmers, recognition of specialty-grade robusta coffee, regenerative agriculture, and the European Union Deforestation Regulation.

“We also emphasized the importance of the ICO’s role in supporting the welfare of coffee farmers, most of whom are smallholders. Equally important is for major coffee-producing countries to play an active role in creating just and more inclusive global regulations,” he said.

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Translator: Maria Cicilia, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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