A Statement from Mr Martin Murray, Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Ireland
“Both as Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Ireland and Executive Director of Asia Matters, I am delighted to see political agreement reached on an EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement after 10 years of negotiations. In yesterday’s statement, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission after her meeting with President Subianto of the Republic of Indonesia, spoke of the shared bilateral partnership values including United in Diversity and Just Energy Transition.”
President von der Leyen stated that:
“With a GDP of EUR 1.2 trillion; Indonesia is a leading supplier of goods that are vital for the digital and green transitions. This growing market of over 287 million people represents significant untapped trade potential to open new market opportunities in key industries in agriculture, automotive and services.
In times of global challenges, partners must strengthen their ties. Europe and Indonesia share a deep commitment to peace, stability, and a rules-based international order. So today, we discussed raising our relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership. This would mean a long-term commitment, based on trust, reciprocity, and mutual benefit.
Finally, President von der Leyen spoke of building the connection between people, announcing that the European Commission has adopted a decision on the visa cascade. From now on, Indonesian nationals visiting the EU for a second time will be eligible for multi-entry Schengen visas to visit, invest and study.”
Mr Murray also said:
“Asia Matters has consistently highlighted the importance of achieving the EU Indonesia CEPA, most recently when H.E. Dr. Desra Percaya updated Irish stakeholders at the Asia Matters Business Summit Limerick on Asia Now – The New Dynamics of Global Business.
As the EU and Ireland accelerate global trade diversification with Asia the top priority, it is deeply encouraging to see President von der Leyen deliver on this commitment. When President Trump originally announced the EU tariff threat, she said that this was a wake up call for the EU to move beyond traditional alliances and to fast track trade agreements with new, significant global business region partners, citing the EU Indonesia CEPA as a key example. Asia Matters celebrates that the political agreement has been achieved. It’s now time for concrete actions to deliver the benefits for the EU and Indonesia.”
President von der Leyen’s full statement can be found here.
