Tempo English - 19 June 2025
Canada-Indonesia free trade pact reaches final stage, ready to be signed
By Savero Aristia Wienanto
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Indonesia and Canada has been finalized and is ready for signing by both countries, announced Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Jess Dutton.
"We have completed our agreement. We've just undergone what's called a legal scrub. It will soon be ready to be signed, and then the ratification process in both countries," Dutton told reporters at the 158th celebration of Canada National Day at the Fairmont Hotel, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday night, June 18, 2025.
A legal scrub is a process of reviewing and verifying the text of legal documents, often international agreements, to ensure accuracy and consistency before finalization by the parties involved.
Dutton expressed hope that the agreement would be fully implemented in 2026, believing it would benefit both nations. "I can assure you that finalizing this as soon as possible, for our mutual benefit, is a priority for both countries," he said.
Dutton also affirmed Canada's support for Indonesia's food security program, acknowledging the Indonesian government's efforts in this area. "We want them to invest in this sector, and we want to do more to support Indonesia's priorities in food security and other areas," he said.
In his speech, Dutton highlighted Canada's key commodities, including wheat, which helps meet the food needs of developing cities. "We support farmers in growing more food in a more sustainable way, while improving the nutrition of the Indonesian people, especially women and children," he added.
Furthermore, Dutton conveyed a message from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, emphasizing that Canada possesses what the world needs and upholds globally respected values. "In Indonesia, this means that Canada appears as a stable, committed, and reliable partner, ready to help Indonesia achieve its goals for a safer, prosperous, and sustainable future," he concluded.
