Indonesia targets GCC trade pact by November 2026: Minister

hartono · Aug 12, 2026

Indonesia targets GCC trade pact by November 2026: Minister

Trade Minister Budi Santoso holds a meeting with PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia in Jakarta on Tuesday (Aug. 11, 2026). (ANTARA/HO-Kemendag)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia aims to conclude trade talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council by November 2026, seeking wider market access as the government pushes to expand automotive exports, Trade Minister Budi Santoso said.

“We hope the talks will conclude by November at the latest, giving Indonesian products greater access to Gulf markets,” Santoso said at a meeting with Toyota representatives in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Santoso also urged automotive manufacturers to boost exports by making greater use of trade agreements Indonesia has signed with other countries, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.

“We continue promoting Indonesian products globally through trade cooperation with partner countries. Market expansion should create opportunities to increase exports and strengthen global competitiveness,” he said.

Santoso and Toyota representatives discussed opportunities to expand automotive exports to Latin America, which the minister described as a promising market for Indonesian products.

However, he said deeper access to Mexico remains challenging because Indonesia and Mexico have yet to establish a bilateral trade agreement.

Santoso therefore urged exporters to prioritize markets covered by existing trade agreements, particularly the Indonesia-Peru Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

He also encouraged Indonesian businesses to use the Trade Ministry’s electronic Certificate of Origin system, which automatically enables preferential certificates of origin.

The system has facilitated exports to destinations including the United Arab Emirates, China, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Pakistan and Hong Kong, he said.

“We remain open to input from businesses. Report any obstacles to the government so we can respond with relevant ministries and agencies,” Santoso said.