Indonesia has officially applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as part of its strategy to enhance export opportunities. The news was revealed by state news agency Antara, which quoted remarks by its chief economic minister on Wednesday.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Trade, who emphasised that joining the CPTPP will help Indonesia access new markets and improve trade relations with member countries.
The CPTPP, which aims to reduce trade barriers and promote economic integration among its members, was signed by the 11 founding countries in March 2018 in Santiago, Chile, and entered force near the end of that year. The United Kingdom requested accession to the group in 2021 and signed the CPTPP protocol enabling it to join in 2023. In addition to Indonesia, seven countries, including China and Costa Rica, have proposed to become CPTPP members.
The minister noted that the move aligns with Indonesia’s broader economic goals and is expected to attract foreign investment, further stimulating growth. The government plans to engage in discussions with existing CPTPP members to facilitate the accession process.
This application marks a significant step for Indonesia in enhancing its global trade presence and fostering economic resilience in a competitive landscape.
