RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia and Panama enhance their bilateral relations through discussions on the formation of a Working Group on Trade and Investment (WGTI). This bilateral meeting aims to facilitate the expansion of trade and investment between the Southeast Asian and Central American nations.

Indonesia's Vice Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti, received a visit from Panama’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Arturo Hoyos, at the Ministry of Trade office in Jakarta on Friday, July 31, 2026. Both sides agreed to utilize this forum as the primary platform for exploring new business opportunities.

According to a written press release from the ministry, during the meeting, Roro stated that Indonesia is open to exploring closer trade cooperation by revitalizing the Bilateral Consultation Forum. This step aims to strengthen dialogue and expand trade and investment between the two nations.

In addition to government-to-government dialogue, enhanced economic relations will be fostered through active participation in international trade fairs. Business matchmaking activities are also designed to bring together importers and exporters from both countries.

As a concrete step to support promotional efforts, Indonesia has officially invited Panamanian business leaders to attend the country’s largest national trade fair. The Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2026 is scheduled to take place at ICE BSD City this coming October.

To facilitate smooth economic dialogue, the Indonesian government is encouraging the revitalization of communication channels between the two countries. This step is expected to expand market access for businesses in both regions in a sustainable manner.

This bilateral meeting reaffirms both countries’ commitment to building a mutually beneficial economic partnership on the global stage. The outcomes of the discussions regarding the formation of this working group will be followed up by technical teams from both countries.