Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia, Jess Dutton, has expressed Canada’s readiness to advance and strengthen bilateral cooperation with Indonesia’s new government.
“We are excited to engage with the new government (of Indonesia), and I am confident that Canada… will have a very strong relationship with the new government at all levels,” Ambassador Dutton said in Jakarta on April 3, 2024.
He continued by mentioning that Canada and Indonesia have been negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) since 2021 for a free trade agreement.
Ambassador Dutton noted that the negotiations have entered the seventh stage, and efforts are being made to conclude the agreement by the end of 2024.
In addition, Ambassador Dutton stated that the Embassy plans to hold a “Canadian Trade Mission” event in December 2024, which will bring hundreds of Canadian companies to Indonesia.
“So we will have around 150-200 companies, led by the Minister of International Trade… coming to Indonesia to seek opportunities in various sectors… building important commercial relationships,” Ambassador Dutton said.
He also cited that Canada has an Indo-Pacific Strategy, and Indonesia, as one of the pillars of that strategy, is a top priority for Canada.
“Canada as a Pacific nation needs to truly be a part of it and partner with our allies and friends in the Indo-Pacific, and of course, Indonesia is at the top of the list,” Ambassador Dutton said.
Ambassador Jess Dutton presented his Letter of Credentials to President Joko Widodo in December 2023. Prior to this role, Ambassador Dutton served as Ambassador to Egypt for three years.
