VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia is an important trading and economic partner for Switzerland, Swiss Council of States President Alex Kuprecht has said.

"Indonesia is the 3rd largest democracy in the world, after the United States, and India. Indonesia has the potential to become the world's 4th largest economic giant," Kuprecht said in a meeting with the media here on Monday.

Indonesia has been one of the eight priority countries in SECO's economic cooperation and development program since 2009, he added.

According to Kuprecht, economic development cooperation between Switzerland and Indonesia for 2021-2024 includes strengthening public institutions through the efficient use of resources and improving the competitiveness of the private sector, especially MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises).

The two countries' relations can be bolstered through sustainable tourism development with a particular focus on issues of gender equality, climate change, and sustainability, he added.

He said the IE-CEPA, a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Indonesia and the four EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries—Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway—will take effect on November 1, 2021.

Based on the results of the vote or referendum held in March, Kuprecht said the majority of Swiss people support the realization of a free trade agreement with Indonesia through IE-CEPA.

"The IE-CEPA agreement is expected to encourage and push up cooperation between Indonesia and Switzerland," he affirmed.

The scope of IE-CEPA includes improvements in market access, legal certainty in products and services, procurement of goods and services, and labor rights.

"The positive impact of the comprehensive economic partnership agreement encompasses sustainable trade, creating jobs for EFTA countries, including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway," he pointed out.

During his visit to Jakarta, Kuprecht said he aimed to discuss the IE-CEPA agreement and partnership between ASEAN and Switzerland.

Kuprecht, who is the parliament speaker, and Swiss Member of Council, Benedikt Würth, are also expected to visit the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic which teaches sustainable management. (Antaranews)