Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, has emphasized the need for inclusive and simultaneous implementation of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Upgrade across all member states.
Such an approach, she said, is essential to ensure that the benefits of the upgrade—designed to make ATIGA more relevant—are shared equitably across the region.
"Indonesia is committed to ensuring that the ATIGA Upgrade is accessible and can be utilized by all ASEAN countries," Putri stated during an online meeting of the ATIGA Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC), according to a statement released on Friday.
She also noted that Indonesia is working to ensure the ratification process aligns with the provisions agreed upon by all parties.
During the meeting, key issues were discussed to help meet the target of completing negotiations.
The upgrade seeks to modernize the ATIGA framework, making it more facilitative for businesses and responsive to regional and global challenges.
This ambition is reflected in proposed new chapters covering topics such as trade and the environment, remanufactured goods, the circular economy, supply chain connectivity, trade during humanitarian crises, and the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
According to Putri, the drafting process is 99 percent complete, with 15 out of 17 chapters finalized.
She urged all negotiating parties to conclude discussions in time to announce the completion of negotiations at the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting in September.
The agreement is expected to be signed during the 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for October or November.
