Indonesia Eyes Green Growth as ICA-CEPA Opens Canadian Markets

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is positioning agriculture as the main driver of Indonesia’s economic engagement with Canada under the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA).

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 Canada in Asia Conference (CIAC) in Singapore on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Kadin vice chairwoman for agriculture Devi Erna Rachmawati said Indonesia sees room to expand agricultural exports to Canada, despite currently importing fertilizer from the country.

"Our agricultural opportunity for export is also great, especially in tropical food, some of which has already been exported to Canada," she said, as quoted by Antara.

Devi said Kadin has developed several strategies to maximize the concrete benefits of ICA-CEPA. These include providing coaching programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them enter the Canadian market.

Kadin is also facilitating business matching between Indonesian and Canadian entrepreneurs and promoting Indonesian products through trade exhibitions, she added.

According to Devi, Indonesia’s downstream agricultural industry has attracted strong interest from Canadian investors, consistent with Canada’s commitment to supporting green and sustainable economic growth.

CIAC 2026 brought together more than 550 innovators, thought leaders, and policymakers to discuss the Indo-Pacific economic landscape and explore opportunities for collaboration in Canada-Asia relations. 

The forum addressed cross-sector themes to accelerate economic diversification and innovation, and discussed global challenges including supply chain disruptions, food security, technological innovation, and investment.

Indonesian government representatives attending the forum included the Director General of International Trade Negotiations, Djatmiko B. Witjaksono, and the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) CEO, Ridha Wirakusumah. 

Source: Voice of Indonesia