Indonesia calls for inclusive APEC economic integration
Photo caption: Indonesia’s Trade Minister Budi Santoso attends the second session of the 37th APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) online on Tuesday evening (November 3, 2026). (ANTARA/HO-Ministry of Trade)
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has emphasized the benefits of regional economic integration and technological advances must reach developing economies and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Minister of Trade Budi Santoso at the second session of the 37th APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) on Tuesday evening (Nov 3) said Indonesia is promoting inclusive economic integration across the Asia-Pacific region to ensure that its benefits could be widely shared.
According to Budi, countries need to strengthen MSMEs' participation in regional and global value chains to expand access from local to global markets.
He encouraged members of APEC to ensure that economic integration creates new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.
Budi said stronger regional cooperation could facilitate trade and investment, improve connectivity, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
He noted that digital transformation, innovation, and green industries offered opportunities to boost productivity and create new markets.
Indonesia, says Budi, is committed to strengthening regional economic integration through the implementation of the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and the development of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) as a long-term step toward deeper economic integration.
To achieve these goals, APEC needs to strengthen practical cooperation through policy research, stocktaking, information sharing, and capacity building.
"These initiatives should be market-driven, build on existing regional trade agreements, and take into account the differing capacities and priorities of each economy," Budi said.
The 37th APEC Ministerial Meeting was co-chaired by China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. The meeting focused on regional economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, including strengthening the global trading system and developing rules for the safe use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Discussion covered improving logistics efficiency, empowering MSMEs, the energy transition, and anti-corruption commitments.
Participants also reviewed progress in economic cooperation under the Aotearoa Plan of Action over the past five years.
The outcomes of the meeting will be submitted to APEC leaders for endorsement at the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, scheduled for November 18-19, 2026 in Shenzhen, China.
