Joint Statement - Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Indonesian Minister for Trade

We welcome the strong statement of support and ambition made by President Widodo and Prime Minister Turnbull in their Joint Communique for the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Their leadership will help deliver a high quality comprehensive agreement that benefits both Indonesia and Australia.

Indonesia and Australia already have a significant trade and investment relationship. But as our leaders have outlined – we can and should do better.

We are both significant and growing economies in the most dynamic economic region in the world. A closer partnership can provide not only greater two-way trade and investment, but also help us partner in taking advantage of the opportunities in the region.

During President Widodo's visit we have had further discussions on the opportunities IA-CEPA can deliver. We have recommitted to a high-quality agreement that builds on our existing free trade agreement, the ASEAN-Australian New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. It will be based on the complementarity of our economies; and go beyond a traditional trade agreement by integrating a foundation of cooperation and partnership.

Our negotiating teams concluded the sixth negotiating round in Canberra on 24 February 2017. Strong progress was made. We personally recommit to driving the negotiations to deliver a comprehensive deal this year.

Both Ministers also welcomed the announcement by President Widodo and Prime Minister Turnbull regarding sugar tariffs for Indonesia and pesticide and herbicide tariffs for Australia.