Indonesia, EU conclude negotiations on free trade agreement
Indonesia and the EU on Tuesday finalized their negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) after nine years of talks.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (left) in conservation with European Council President Costa. Photo courtesy of the European Council.
The deal was signed in Bali by EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic and Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Sefcovic stressed that by concluding this agreement, the EU and Indonesia have sent a strong message of unity in their commitment to open, rules-based, and win-win international trade.
The EU described the deal as comprehensive, advanced, and mutually advantageous, marking a turning point in its strategy to diversify partnerships and strengthen trade and investment ties with a major economy, while opening up new export opportunities and securing stable supply chains for energy and critical raw materials.
The CEPA is expected to deliver tangible benefits for both European farmers and businesses. Import tariffs on a wide range of agricultural products, food, automobiles, chemicals, and machinery will be reduced or eliminated, saving EU exporters an estimated EUR 600 million (over $708 million) annually.
In return, Indonesian consumers will gain greater access to high-quality European products at more affordable prices.
Beyond trade benefits, the agreement is also designed to promote sustainable development. Anchored in the Paris Agreement on climate change, the CEPA encourages investment in renewable energy and green technologies while establishing a framework for cooperation on environmental, climate, and agricultural issues.
It is seen as an opportunity to link economic development with social protection and effective environmental governance.
Following the signing, the EU and Indonesia will carry out legal review and translation into official languages. The agreement must then be ratified by EU member states, the European Parliament, and Indonesia. It is expected to take effect in 2027.
The conclusion of negotiations, which began in July 2016 with 19 formal rounds, marks a major step forward in the EU-Indonesia partnership, promising strong momentum for trade, investment, and sustainable development in the future.
- Read More
HCMC backs VinSpeed's plan to extend metro line in downtown city
Ho Chi Minh City authorities have approved a proposal by VinSpeed, a high-speed rail subsidiary of Vingroup (HoSE: VIC), to extend its planned metro line to begin at Ben Thanh market in downtown city, aiming to strengthen connectivity with the broader urban rail network.
Infrastructure - Wed, October 29, 2025 | 5:19 pm GMT+7
Petrovietnam seeks more partnerships in new materials, energy logistics, mechanical engineering
State giant Petrovietnam wants to expand cooperation in new materials, energy logistics, mechanical engineering, supply of oil-gas equipment and technical services, and defense-related materials.
Companies - Wed, October 29, 2025 | 4:13 pm GMT+7
Sabeco posts strongest quarterly profit in over 3 years despite weaker sales
Ho Chi Minh City-based Sabeco (HoSE: SAB), majority owned by Thai Beverage, reported its highest quarterly profit since early 2022, supported by lower input costs and tighter expense control despite weaker sales.
Companies - Wed, October 29, 2025 | 2:44 pm GMT+7
Vietnam's stock market trading at reasonable valuation: broker
The VN-Index’s recent pause is a normal correction within a medium- to long-term uptrend. A stable macroeconomic foundation, the government’s goal of double-digit GDP growth for 2026-2030, and a low interest-rate environment will continue to underpin the market, said Truong Hien Phuong, a senior director at KIS Vietnam Securities.
Finance - Wed, October 29, 2025 | 12:43 pm GMT+7
Vietnam PM urges Singapore to join country’s international financial center development
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on Singapore to support Vietnam’s strategic industries, including semiconductors, renewable energy, innovation, and the digital economy, and take part in the country's international financial center development.
Economy - Wed, October 29, 2025 | 9:36 am GMT+7
Vietnam at a glance: HSBC
Given the big upside surprise in Vietnam's economic expansion in Q3, HSBC is now raising its GDP growth forecast for the country to 7.9% for 2025 (from 6.6%), and 6.7% for 2026 (from 5.8%), write the bank's analysts.
Economy - Wed, October 29, 2025 | 9:00 am GMT+7
Driving forces of Masan Group's substantial profit growth
Profit after tax in Q3 of Masan (HoSE: MSN), Vietnam's leading multi-sector group, jumped 43% to VND1,866 billion ($70.9 million) from a year earlier, as most of its business units recorded improved performance.
Companies - Tue, October 28, 2025 | 4:16 pm GMT+7
China’s Pacific Construction eyes urban, infrastructure projects in central Vietnam
Pacific Construction Group (PCG), a leading construction firm in China, has expressed interest in developing urban and transport infrastructure projects in Nghe An and Ha Tinh, two key provinces in Vietnam’s north-central region.
Infrastructure - Tue, October 28, 2025 | 3:55 pm GMT+7
Vingroup’s arm Vincom Retail sells Hanoi mall operator stake for $138 mln
Vincom Retail (HoSE: VRE), Vietnam’s leading retail property developer and a subsidiary of Vingroup (HoSE: VIC), has completed the sale of its entire equity interest in the operator of a Hanoi project as part of its investment optimization strategy.
Companies - Tue, October 28, 2025 | 3:48 pm GMT+7
Resolution 70: A 'pathway' for green energy in Vietnam
Resolution No. 70, issued on August 20, 2025 by the Politburo, Vietnam's highest decision-making body, is seen as a strategic “pathway” for green and renewable energy projects, ensuring Vietnam’s national energy security goals.
Energy - Tue, October 28, 2025 | 2:29 pm GMT+7
Vietnam, Russia to speed up agreement for construction of nuclear power plant
Vietnam and Russia have agreed to accelerate discussions and negotiations so as necessary agreements could be signed soon for the construction of Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant in Khanh Hoa province as planned.
Energy - Tue, October 28, 2025 | 9:15 am GMT+7
Petrovietnam to fully divest stakes in 2 affiliates via public auction
State-owned Petrovietnam has announced a plan to auction its entire holdings in two affiliates, Green Indochina Development JSC (GID) and Vietnam Petroleum Trading and Service JSC (PVTS), as part of efforts to divest from non-core businesses.
Finance - Tue, October 28, 2025 | 8:34 am GMT+7
Nokia, VNPT expand partnership to upgrade Vietnam’s radio infrastructure
Nokia has extended its long-term partnership with state-run Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) through a new agreement to upgrade and expand radio infrastructure across the country.
Companies - Mon, October 27, 2025 | 9:12 pm GMT+7
Private firms encouraged to invest in digital infrastructure per Vietnam government's new decision
Private companies in Vietnam are encouraged to engage in building telecom infrastructure and other infrastructure for national digital transformation through 2030 per a newly approved program.
Economy - Mon, October 27, 2025 | 4:59 pm GMT+7
Vietnam tech giant FPT's logo to be featured on Chelsea FC sleeves
Vietnamese tech giant FPT Corporation has taken social media by storm after being named a principal partner and official sleeve partner of Chelsea Football Club for the 2025/26 season.
Companies - Mon, October 27, 2025 | 4:34 pm GMT+7
EU seeks to strengthen trade-investment, green transition ties with Vietnam: European Council President
The EU wishes to enhance its cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in the areas of trade-investment, green transition, digital transformation, global challenges response, and promotion of a rules-based international order, said President of the European Council Antonio Costa.
Economy - Mon, October 27, 2025 | 4:12 pm GMT+7
