Malmström: EU, Indonesia Trade Negotiations On the Move

Trade negotiations between the 28-nation European Union and Indonesia are kicking into gear, according to EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström. The two sides launched negotiations last year, confirming plans to hold their first negotiating round in 2016. According to Malmström, officials met for two days in September to help lay the groundwork for future talks, and began to take on more “detailed discussions” during their first full round from 24-27 January. (See Bridges Weekly, 21 July 2016 ) Iman Pambagyo, who serves at the Indonesian Trade Ministry as its international trade negotiation director general, confirmed that last week’s round was meant to get all sides on the same page in understanding their desired levels of ambition and proposals. “Only then in the next rounds will we have comprehensive negotiations. Hence, this round is crucial to determine the direction ahead,” said the Indonesian official, according to comments reported by the Jakarta Post. Malmström also referred specifically to the value of engaging the Asian market further in light of geopolitical decisions being taken by other major trade partners, citing US President Donald Trump’s move last week to withdraw his country from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement. (See Bridges Weekly, 26 January 2017...