President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, descends from the state aircraft amidst snowfall, offering a gesture of respect.
(Photo: Kementerian Sekretariat Negara RI)
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will embark on an official visit to Canada to witness the signing of the long-awaited Indonesia–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA). This milestone not only strengthens bilateral relations but also sets the stage for a deeper and more sustainable economic partnership between the two nations.
The ICA-CEPA is expected to significantly expand trade opportunities by reducing tariffs, facilitating market access, and promoting investment. Both Indonesia and Canada have recognized the strategic importance of enhancing trade in key sectors. Among the highlighted Indonesian export commodities are footwear, coffee, apparel, rubber, and palm oil products that have consistently shown competitive advantage in the Canadian market.
For instance, Indonesian coffee has gained strong recognition among Canadian consumers, while footwear and apparel demonstrate high potential to expand Indonesia’s share in Canada’s retail sector. Meanwhile, rubber and palm oil remain vital resources that continue to underpin Indonesia’s global export strength. These commodities represent more than just goods; they symbolize Indonesia’s readiness to compete and collaborate in a fairer, rules-based trade environment.
Palm oil producers can showcase processed derivatives that benefit from tariff reductions. Footwear and apparel exporters will gain wider visibility in North America, highlighting Indonesia’s creativity and competitive pricing. Coffee growers can present premium specialty beans that align with Canadian consumer trends, while rubber producers can display innovations in industrial and automotive applications.
For Canadian companies, Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2025 offers a timely opportunity to explore Indonesia’s expanding market, whether in agribusiness technology, industrial equipment, or healthcare solutions. With ICA-CEPA freshly signed, Canadian firms will find a business opportunity to expand their market.
As such, the signing of ICA-CEPA on 24 September 2025 and the opening of Trade Expo Indonesia just three weeks later form a continuum: diplomacy at the highest level followed by implementation at the marketplace. Together, they represent a decisive step in turning political will into commercial outcomes.
Prabowo’s visit to Canada is thus not merely a diplomatic milestone, it is a prelude to a broader economic momentum that will soon unfold on the floor of Trade Expo Indonesia 2025.
This bilateral breakthrough also resonates with Indonesia’s global trade ambitions. The momentum of ICA-CEPA will seamlessly connect with upcoming international trade platforms, including Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2025. As the country’s premier annual trade exhibition, TEI will showcase many of these same commodities, providing a tangible arena where agreements like ICA-CEPA can translate into real business deals and long-term partnerships.
By aligning the ICA-CEPA with platforms such as TEI 2025, Indonesia is positioning itself not only as a reliable trade partner for Canada but also as a strategic player in global supply chains. The signing of ICA-CEPA during President Prabowo’s Canada visit therefore marks not just a diplomatic achievement but also a stepping stone for Indonesian enterprises to gain greater visibility and stronger footholds in international markets.
References
- Affairs Canada. (2024). Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: Background information. Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/indonesia-indonesie/cepa-apeg/background-contexte.aspx
- Global Affairs Canada. (2024). Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: Summary of benefits and negotiated outcomes. Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/indonesia-indonesie/cepa-apeg/summary-negotiated-resume-negociations.aspx
- Indonesia Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC). (2017). Identifying high-potential Indonesian commodities to export to Canada. Retrieved from https://www.iccc.or.id/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Identifying-High-Potential-Indonesian-Commodities-to-Export-to-Canada-May-2017.pdf
