Jakarta. Enthusiasm is soaring high for the upcoming Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as seen in a recent business gathering.

The Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa held a business gathering that brought together more than 100 entrepreneurs of both countries. The event also coincided with Canada’s food exhibition Salon International de l'Alimentation (SIAL) 2026. Indonesian Ambassador to Canada Muhsin Syihab told the forum that the tariff-slashing agreement could finish its ratification or law-making process by the second half of 2026. This way, businesses should be able to enjoy the trade facilitation soon.

"This agreement is expected to significantly facilitate the ease of doing business be it in Indonesia or Canada. It will open up broader export opportunities for Indonesian products, and encourage Canadian investment in Indonesia," Muhsin told the forum.

Yasir Naqvi -- the parliamentary secretary to Canada’s minister of International Trade and to the secretary of state international development -- is also optimistic about the trade deal. 

"This agreement is a form of cooperation that serves as a model for Canada in exploring cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific," Naqvi said.

Likewise, the business communities attending the forum were eager to have this accord ratified as soon as possible. They also called for more business gatherings to be held regularly for better networking. Several participants reported securing follow-up commitments from interactions with their counterparts at the forum. 

“We hope to strengthen links between the Indonesian and Canadian business communities and open new opportunities,” Muhsin said.

The CEPA was first signed by President Prabowo Subianto and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during a state trip to Ottawa in September 2025. The embassy also promoted the 2026 Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) at the event.

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