Kadin Pushes for Strategic Indonesia–Canada Trade Ties, Anindya Bakrie Meets Canadian Chamber of Commerce
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OTTAWA, Investortrust.id – Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Anindya Bakrie has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening trade relations between Indonesia and Canada. He conveyed this message during a bilateral meeting with Matthew Holmes, Executive Vice President International and Chief of Public Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, at the chamber’s headquarters in Ottawa on Wednesday, Sept 24, 2025.
Anindya, accompanied by President Prabowo Subianto’s Special Staff Dirgayuza Setiawan, stressed the importance of building closer ties between business communities in both countries. He highlighted strategic sectors such as minerals, infrastructure development, digitalization, renewable energy, and the potential for nuclear energy cooperation.
“Minerals, infrastructure, digital, renewable energy, nuclear—these are the areas we are focusing on,” said Anindya. He expressed optimism about the future of Indonesia–Canada trade. “That is why I said at the beginning that the sky is the limit. Trade between the two countries worth US$5 million is just the beginning, and it will grow,” he added, urging both sides to pursue greater cooperation for mutual benefit.
The meeting came at a pivotal moment following the signing of bilateral trade and defense agreements between President Prabowo and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. This marked Canada’s first trade agreement with an ASEAN member state, setting the stage for a new era of closer and more comprehensive bilateral ties.
Under the trade deal, more than 95 percent of tariffs on Canadian exports to Indonesia will be gradually reduced or eliminated, making Canadian goods significantly more competitive in the Indonesian market. “Once fully implemented, over 95 percent of tariffs on Canadian exports to Indonesia will be reduced or eliminated. Everything will be on preferential terms, making our exports far more competitive,” Carney said at a press conference.
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Beyond trade, the two nations also signed a defense cooperation pact covering maritime security, cyber defense, peacekeeping missions, and military education. Carney stressed that the agreement is a key part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, underscoring both nations’ shared commitment to peace and regional stability.
“This is very important for Canada as part of our Indo-Pacific strategy, and it sends a strong signal that Canada and Indonesia are committed to working together for peace and stability in the region and the world,” he said.
Indonesia views Canada as a strategic partner in developing critical resources and advancing nuclear energy technology. With a population of over 280 million, mostly young, Indonesia is seeking to transition away from a carbon-based economy toward cleaner energy sources while preserving biodiversity.
President Prabowo praised Canada’s role as a responsible Western power with genuine concern for the aspirations of developing countries. “Canada is a major Western power that acts responsibly, but it also has great empathy for the interests of developing nations,” Prabowo said.
Against this backdrop, both governments and private sectors have signaled a strong commitment to deepening cross-sectoral relations, expanding economic cooperation, and building a more sustainable future together.