VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan believes that the ASEAN-BAC 2023 Chairmanship has provided an inclusive spirit to unite the business community in the region, under the theme "ASEAN Centrality: Innovating Towards Greater Inclusivity".

"This is also in line with the spirit of Indonesia's Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023 under the theme ASEAN Matters: Epicenter of Growth," he said at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2023, in Jakarta, Sunday (3/9/2023).

Zulkifli Hasan also noted the increasing trend of trade in goods and investment flows between ASEAN member countries every year. To maintain this performance, he encouraged the strengthening of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

"The aim is to ensure that the agreement remains relevant, modern, and more responsive to regional and global developments," he said.

He also encouraged the completion of ongoing negotiations with dialogue partners such as Canada as soon as possible, as well as exploring new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with strategic partners.

In addition, he said, ASEAN and partners need to start negotiations on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) this year, which will be the foundation of ASEAN's digital economy cooperation. (VOI/Andy)