IA-CEPA First Round

26-27 September 2012

Jakarta

The first IA-CEPA negotiating round was held in Jakarta on 26-27 September 2012. Mr Michael Mugliston, Special Negotiator, Free Trade Agreement Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade led the Australian delegation, comprising representatives from seven agencies. Mr Iman Pambagyo, Director General of International Trade Cooperation, Ministry of Trade led the Indonesian delegation, which included representatives from 16 agencies.

The meeting was characterised by positive engagement between the two sides, establishing momentum for future IA-CEPA negotiations.

Both sides underscored the importance of expanding trade and investment between Australia and Indonesia to reflect the importance of the bilateral relationship, noting their positions as the two largest economies in the South-East Asian region.

Both sides agreed to build upon outcomes in the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA, which entered into force for Indonesia in January 2012, and to take into consideration developments in regional and multilateral fora.

Both sides reiterated the importance of continued close engagement with stakeholders, including the business and non-government sectors.