Sydney (VNA) – Australia will promote the ﷽conclusion of the Indones🌸ia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) during an upcoming visit to the Southeast Asian nation by Minister of Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, Minister Ciobo is scheduled to meet Indonesian Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita, new Chairman of the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Thomas Lembong and the Minister of Industry. During his visit this week, Minister Ciobo and Minister Lukita will receive an updated report on trade priorities from the Indonesia-Australia Business Partnership Group. Indonesia has a population exceeding 255 million – including a middle class of more than 45 million forecast to grow to 135 million by 2020 – an opportunity to supply the growing needs of Indonesian consumers with Australian goods and services, According to the Australian ministry. The Indonesian Government is seeking to build this relationship though the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). Negotiations, relaunched earlier this year, are making good progress. IA-CEPA will create the framework for a new era of closer economic engagement between our countries and open new markets and opportunities for Australian businesses, primary producers and service providers. Increasing Australian exports, through trade with countries such as Indonesia, will create Australian jobs and drive economic growth. From Jakarta, the Australian minister will travel to Vientiane, Laos for consultations with ASEAN trade ministers, the East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Ministerial Meeting.-VNA