Businesses hail EU-Indonesia trade deal, call for faster talks with other ASEAN nationsASEAN countries’

Brussels – The agreement with Indonesia is welcome; now the EU should accelerate its efforts with the other countries in the region. This is the message from BusinessEurope, the confederation of European industry federations, following the new progress in trade policy. “This landmark Agreement reaffirms the EU’s commitment to an ambitious trade agenda at a time of geopolitical tensions and rising protectionism,” acknowledges the director general, Marcus Beyrer, who urges “to accelerate negotiations with other ASEAN partners,” the organisation of Southeast Asian states that includes, in addition to Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

The industrial sector believes this agreement will give a “significant” boost to EU growth, thanks, first and foremost, to the reduction of tariffs on industrial goods and agricultural products on both sides. Also appreciated are the provisions on digital trade, procurement, and investment. In addition, as a key supplier of essential raw materials, closer ties with Indonesia will also be an important asset for European economic security. 

The EU has established trade relations with ASEAN as a bloc since 1977, which continue to endure. Moreover, the bloc has shown true political convergence regarding the Russian war in Ukraine, distancing itself from Russian territorial annexations. The message calls on politicians to seize this moment to launch a new era of Euro-Asian trade, strategically aimed against the US and China.

 Also rejoicing is the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI, whose members include the Italian Assosport and Napapijri). “The agreement between the EU and Indonesia is a milestone,” emphasises FESI President Neil Narriman. The agreement is welcomed by members, in particular sports equipment suppliers such as Adidas, Puma, and Nike. “The EU–Indonesia CEPA is not only an important trade agreement for our industry, workers and consumers, but also a strong signal to the rest of the world that Indonesia and the EU can champion rules-based trade in a challenging trading landscape,” emphasises Ingrid van Laerhoven, Director Trade and Customs EMEA, Public and Government Affairs at Nike and Chair of the FESI Trade Committee.