Indonesia continues to strengthen its position in the global trade architecture by promoting economic cooperation, investment, and regional integration. These efforts are in line with the Government's commitment to maintain stable growth and open wider partnership opportunities, especially with strategic partner countries.
"The partnership offers a collective response by strengthening the rules-based multilateral trading system, advancing digital trade, and promoting sustainable investment," said Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto while attending the 1st Future Investment and Trade Partnership Ministerial Meeting (FMM) in Singapore, Tuesday (18/10).
This ministerial meeting is the inaugural forum that brings together partner countries to formulate strategic steps to face the challenges of modern trade. The forum was declared two months ago to strengthen global trade and investment through the principles of openness, resilience, and innovation. Through this forum, the Government of Indonesia affirms its commitment to strengthening global trade, supply chain integration, and digital transformation.
"FIT provides a platform for countries, both large and small, to maintain prosperity and resilience. For Indonesia, FIT has special significance as a large agricultural economy. We are well aware of the vulnerabilities in the food, energy, and industrial supply chains," Airlangga added.
Airlangga emphasized that Indonesia views FIT as a collaborative platform that can strengthen coordination in dealing with shared risks. He highlighted the Welcome Agenda, which is considered to support risk mapping and regulatory strengthening, and help ensure stability while encouraging the integration of UMKM into global value chains. Indonesia also emphasized the importance of the digital transformation agenda, including the projection of Indonesia's digital economy which is expected to reach USD 360 billion by 2030.
The real benefits of digitalization for UMKM
Furthermore, Airlangga highlighted the importance of digital trade and paperless systems. Standardization of electronic documents, strengthening cybersecurity, and interoperability of digital systems between countries are needed to reduce costs and support the growth of the digital economy towards USD 360 billion by 2030.
Digitalization should also provide tangible benefits to UMKM through simpler customs processes and broader market access. In addition, Indonesia considers that digital trade can support the transition to a green economy, in line with Indonesia's net-zero commitment.
Through a series of FMM agendas, Indonesia emphasized its role in driving regional and global economic transformation. Airlangga expressed Indonesia's readiness to work together with all FIT partner countries in building a more resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented trade architecture.
Indonesia believes that an approach based on innovation and sustainability will strengthen FIT's role as a driver of regional and global economic growth.
"Paperless trade will be a key driver of efficiency, transparency and inclusiveness. We view FIT as a platform to harmonize standards, strengthen cybersecurity, and empower micro and small-medium enterprises to access global markets. Indonesia is considering becoming a member of this FIT," Airlangga concluded.
Also present to accompany Airlangga were Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Susiwijono Moegiarso, Spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Haryo Limanseto, and Assistant Deputy for Regional Economic Cooperation Bobby C. Siagian.
Source: Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Press Release
