RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is accelerating efforts to open new markets in Africa by strengthening trade ties with Rwanda, with negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) targeted for completion this year.

The target was conveyed by Rwandan Ambassador to Indonesia Abdul Karim Harelimana. “This is a major development in our relationship,” Harelimana said in Jakarta on Friday, August 8, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

PTA negotiations have been underway since last year, supported by several delegation exchanges. In February, the Indonesian government and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia) held discussions in Kigali, followed by a visit from a Rwandan delegation to Indonesia in May.

Talks will continue with a planned visit by an Indonesian delegation to Rwanda this September. Both sides aim to maintain momentum to finalize the PTA.

Economic cooperation between the two countries also includes discussions on taxation and connectivity. Rwanda is exploring a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Indonesia.

“This is another issue that we look forward to continuing discussions on,” Harelimana said.

Connectivity opportunities are further supported by Rwanda’s visa‑on‑arrival policy for Indonesian passport holders, which is expected to boost people‑to‑people mobility and business engagement.

For Indonesia, negotiations with Rwanda form part of a broader strategy to diversify export markets. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is promoting expanded trade access to African countries that have not yet become Indonesia’s primary export destinations.

“The Ministry is promoting and currently conducting free trade negotiations with countries such as Rwanda and Mauritius,” said Daniel Tumpak Simanjuntak, Director General of Economic Relations and Development Cooperation at the ministry, on Thursday, July 30. ***