In an effort to boost economic cooperation and identify new business opportunities, Mexico’s Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment, and Technology (COMCE) held a meeting with a delegation from the Indonesian government. The discussion reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to deepen bilateral trade, promote investment and develop a joint agenda focused on business growth.
The Indonesian delegation included officials specializing in economic diplomacy: Bimo Ariawan, Chargé d’Affaires, Indonesia’s Embassy in Mexico; Iwan Freddy Hari Susanto, Director of American Affairs; and Danang Prasta Danial, Director of Bilateral Negotiations. Their visit allowed both sides to review areas of shared interest and evaluate ways to strengthen economic ties.
During the meeting, COMCE highlighted Mexico’s strengths in manufacturing, exports, and value-chain integration, capabilities that position the country as a competitive partner for Asian industries. Indonesia expressed interest in expanding joint projects involving trade, innovation, and industrial development.
Officials emphasized Mexico’s industrial capacity and its network of free trade agreements, which facilitate operations for foreign companies. Indonesia, meanwhile, offers a strategic market in the Asia-Pacific region with potential for increasing the presence of Mexican businesses.
Both parties agreed to advance a joint work agenda aimed at fostering business connections, identifying priority sectors, and developing projects that support competitiveness and economic cooperation. For COMCE, the dialogue represents an opportunity to expand Mexico’s participation in global markets and strengthen the country’s commercial diversification strategy.
Commemorating 72 Years of Diplomatic Relations
MBN reported that in 2025, Indonesia and Mexico commemorated 72 years of formal diplomatic relations since their establishment in 1953. Throughout this enduring partnership, both nations have fostered multifaceted cooperation across economic exchange, cultural engagement, and international collaboration. While Mexico experiences a trade deficit with Indonesia, the bilateral relationship between both countries continues to advance, reflecting shared objectives to expand trade, investment, and diplomatic ties.
Both countries consider each other strategic partners within their respective regions and actively engage in multilateral platforms such as the G20, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), MIKTA (an informal partnership between Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey, and Australia), the G15, the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization. Diplomatic representation is also robust; the Indonesian Embassy in Mexico City is also accredited to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Belize, underscoring Indonesia’s regional diplomatic presence.
Although Indonesia and Mexico have yet to establish a formal free trade agreement, their bilateral relationship is underpinned by a series of important treaties that provide a solid legal framework for cooperation. These include the original Trade Agreement signed in 1961, along with agreements on Scientific and Technical Cooperation (1996), Cultural and Educational Cooperation (2001), and the Avoidance of Double Taxation (2002), which was subsequently updated with a new protocol in 2013 to reflect evolving economic conditions. Additionally, the Air Transport Services Agreement, signed in 2013, facilitates connectivity between the two nations.
In a more recent development, Indonesia enhanced its treaty governance in 2023 by ratifying the Minister of Foreign Affairs Regulation No. 4/2023, which provides comprehensive guidelines for the management and implementation of international treaties, thereby reinforcing legal certainty and compliance in bilateral and multilateral engagements.