Indonesia seeks Ireland tax pact to boost trade, investment

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is seeking a double taxation agreement with Ireland to facilitate bilateral trade and investment while positioning the country as a gateway for Indonesian products into the wider European market.

Edi Prio Pambudi, deputy for economic and investment cooperation at Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, said here Friday that a tax pact with Ireland remains a key gap.

He said Indonesia already has similar agreements with several European countries and hopes to conclude negotiations with Ireland soon to make bilateral trade more efficient.

Ireland could serve as an entry point to the European market, requiring both countries to create conditions that benefit investment, trade and other economic activities, Pambudi said.

The tax agreement push comes as Indonesia prepares for implementation of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or I-EU CEPA.

Once the broader trade pact takes effect, Indonesia expects Ireland to become a key economic hub for Indonesian businesses seeking access to European markets.

Indonesia and Ireland signed a Letter of Intent in Jakarta on Friday, establishing a framework for deeper economic cooperation and efforts to reduce investment barriers.

Pambudi and Irish Ambassador to Indonesia Sharon Lennon signed the document, which sets out commitments to expand cooperation between the two countries.

The Indonesian government views the agreement as a foundation for turning shared economic priorities into projects involving governments, businesses and relevant institutions.

Bilateral trade reached US$228.6 million in 2025, while trade between Indonesia and Ireland totaled US$145.5 million in the first half of 2026.

Related news: IEU-CEPA to strengthen market access for Indonesian goods: govt

Translator: Suharsana Aji, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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