RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, along with Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, officially launched negotiations on the Indonesia–Uzbekistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The launch took place online from Jakarta on Monday 2 March 2026 and marked an important milestone in strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

In his statement, the Indonesian Trade Minister, Budi Santoso, stated that the commencement of these FTA negotiations marks a new chapter in bilateral relations between Indonesia and Uzbekistan, particularly in the areas of trade and investment. He emphasized that this collaboration is a strategic step to expand market access and strengthen the competitiveness of both countries' products.

He stated that Uzbekistan is Indonesia's strategic partner in the Central Asian region. The country is considered to play a vital role in enhancing regional and global trade connectivity, as it increasingly opens up to international economic partnerships.

The Trade Minister believes the Indonesia–Uzbekistan FTA will encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth. He is also optimistic that this agreement will open new business opportunities, increase trade flows, and have a direct impact on the welfare of the people of both countries.

In addition to the launch of the FTA negotiations, the Agreement on Trade and Investment Cooperation was also signed on the same occasion. This agreement serves as an umbrella for broader cooperation in the trade and investment sectors.

Through this agreement, the two countries agreed to establish a Joint Working Group. This group will be tasked with identifying potential cooperation, resolving trade barriers, and accelerating the implementation of various bilateral economic initiatives.

The launch of these negotiations was also attended by the Indonesian Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, and the Uzbek Ambassador to Indonesia, Oybek Eshonov. The presence of these ambassadors reflects the diplomatic commitment of both countries to supporting the success of the negotiation process.

The Minister of Trade was accompanied on the occasion by the Director General of International Trade Negotiations, Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono; the Expert Staff to the Minister of Trade for International Relations, Johni Martha; the Director of Bilateral Negotiations, Danang Prasta Danial; and the Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Ministry of Trade, N. M. Kusuma Dewi. The presence of these officials demonstrates the government's commitment to overseeing the negotiation process until a mutually beneficial agreement is reached.