Singapore. Indonesia is exploring the possibility of joining the Future Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership after being invited as an observer to the ministerial meeting in Singapore, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said on Tuesday.

Established in September 2025, the FIT Partnership is a strategic platform designed to enable small and medium-sized economies to cooperate in shaping the future of global trade and investment. Current members include 16 countries, among them Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Malaysia, and Paraguay.

Airlangga said FIT carries particular relevance for Indonesia as a major agricultural economy facing ongoing vulnerabilities in food, energy, and industrial supply chains.

“FIT provides a platform for countries, both large and small, to protect welfare and resilience. For Indonesia, FIT is especially meaningful as a major agricultural economy. We are fully aware of our vulnerabilities in the food, energy, and industrial supply chains,” he said.

The Indonesian government sees the partnership as a collaborative mechanism that could accelerate the integration of Indonesian MSMEs into global value chains.

Focus on Digital Trade and Global Integration
Through the ministerial meetings held Monday and Tuesday, Indonesia reiterated its commitment to strengthening global trade, improving supply-chain connectivity, and advancing digital transformation, Airlangga said. The digital-transformation agenda aligns with projections for Indonesia’s digital economy, which is expected to reach $360 billion by 2030.

“This partnership can reinforce a rules-based multilateral trading system, advance digital trade, and promote sustainable investment,” he explained.

Airlangga highlighted the importance of digital trade systems and paperless document exchange to reduce costs and support growth. He emphasized the need for:

-    standardized electronic documentation
-    enhanced cybersecurity
-    interoperability across national digital systems

“Paperless trade will become a major driver of efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity,” Airlangga said. “We view FIT as a platform that can harmonize standards, strengthen cybersecurity, and empower micro and small enterprises to access global markets.”

Indonesia has not yet formally applied for membership, but the government is assessing the potential benefits and strategic alignment before taking the next step.

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