RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ambassador to Canada, Muhsin Syihab, is pushing for the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA) to be ratified and implemented by the second half of 2026.

This goal was highlighted during an Indonesia-Canada Business Meeting held in Montreal, coinciding with the Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL) Canada 2026. The forum served as a strategic platform for over 100 business players from sectors including food and beverage, financial services, energy, and creative industries.

“This agreement is expected to significantly ease business activities between Indonesia and Canada, opening wider export opportunities for Indonesian products and encouraging Canadian investment into Indonesia,” Ambassador Muhsin said on Saturday, May 2, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The business meeting capitalized on the momentum of SIAL Canada 2026, which took place from April 29 to May 1 at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. The Indonesian Pavilion showcased premium national products, providing a tangible look at the export potential the trade agreement aims to unlock.

The ICA-CEPA was originally signed during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Ottawa in September 2025. Its rapid ratification is viewed as a priority for both nations to strengthen bilateral trade ties.

The agreement has received strong backing from the Canadian government. A Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, Yasir Naqvi, described the ICA-CEPA as a model for how Canada intends to build partnerships within the Indo-Pacific region.

Business communities from both countries expressed high enthusiasm for the bilateral deal, and the meeting featured several key highlights. Regarding networking, participants requested more frequent forums to further strengthen business-to-business connections.

In terms of commitments, several business players reported successfully securing follow-up agreements with partners they met during the event. Additionally, the promotion aspect of the meeting included detailed showcases of Indonesia’s macroeconomic conditions and a presentation for the upcoming Trade Expo Indonesia 2026.

Ambassador Muhsin emphasized that this forum is a core part of the Indonesian Embassy’s economic diplomacy to boost investment and introduce Indonesian goods to the broader North American market. ***