Indonesia's Ministry of Trade is working to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by the end of this year. The third round of talks, held from September 1-5, 2025, showed "significant progress," according to Chief Negotiator Danang Prasta Danial. Discussions covered trade in goods and services, investment, and economic cooperation, with an agreement already reached on the Movement of Natural Persons. According to Director General Djatmiko Bris Wijtaksono, the FTA is expected to strengthen Indonesia's economy and open new markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The Ministry of Trade projects the deal could increase Indonesia's economic welfare by $258.40 million and boost exports to the Gulf region by 17.4 percent. Key sectors expected to benefit include electronics, textiles, and metal products. In the first half of 2025, trade between Indonesia and the GCC totaled $7.9 billion, with Indonesia holding a trade surplus. The country's main exports to the GCC include motor vehicles, palm oil, and jewelry, while it primarily imports crude oil and other petroleum products.Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2047001/indonesia-targets-gulf-free-trade-agreement-deal-by-year-end (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: Tempo English, 8 September 2025