2 min read –
Another French Minister –
Comes to Indonesia –
Learn who below –
On April 8 & 9, 2025, Laurent Saint-Martin, French Minister for Foreign Trade, visited Indonesia, marking a pivotal moment in the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The visit, aimed at deepening economic and strategic ties, set the stage for French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming trip in May 2025.
Saint-Martin’s agenda was robust, with high-level meetings alongside key Indonesian officials, including Minister of Trade Budi Santoso, Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, and Minister of Investment Rosan Perkasa Roeslani.
A key highlight was the discussion with Santoso, where both sides pushed for the swift completion of the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), targeting mid-2025.
This agreement promises to enhance market access for Indonesian exports like electrical transformers, cocoa products, and automotive components, while addressing the $15.9 million trade deficit with France.
Transportation and digital innovation were also focal points. Saint-Martin and Purwagandhi explored financing for projects like the Bandung LRT and Medan BRT, signaling France’s commitment to Indonesia’s infrastructure growth.
Meanwhile, the ceremonial handover of the National Data Center 1 to Indonesia underscored advancements in digital transformation, supported by French expertise and secured by Indonesia’s cybersecurity agencies.
Accompanied by a delegation of French business leaders, Saint-Martin engaged with KADIN (Indonesian Chamber of Commerce) reinforcing France’s economic footprint.
About 250 French companies operate in Indonesia, employing 54,000 locals and investing €5 billion across energy, technology, and agriculture.
The visit highlighted the historic friendship between Indonesia and France, with Saint-Martin addressing the French community in Jakarta and affirming shared goals in energy transition, food security, and cultural exchange.
As both nations prepare for Macron’s visit, this milestone strengthens their strategic partnership, fostering mutual prosperity and global collaboration.
What opportunities do you see in this evolving partnership? Let us know in comments on LinkedIn. (link below)
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PS: Last month, we were honored to attend the visit of French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot (see our related post). This month, we were thrilled to join the visit of Minister Laurent Saint-Martin. We’re optimistic about an invitation to next month’s state visit by French President Macron. Stay tuned for updates!
Picture: Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi with French Minister of Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin
Sources: Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, aktualnews, liputan6, minanews, merdeka, lepetitjournal.