Ambassador of Kuwait hopes Indonesia-GCC FTA concluded by end of 2026

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Kuwait expects the Indonesia-Gulf Cooperation Council free trade agreement to be signed by the end of 2026, a move seen boosting trade and investment between Indonesia and Gulf economies, Ambassador Khalid Jassim Al-Yassin said.

During a visit to the ANTARA Heritage Center in Jakarta on Tuesday, Al-Yassin said negotiations had progressed smoothly and the agreement was on track for completion this year.

"The negotiations have been going on successfully, and we expect the FTA to be signed by the end of this year," Al-Yassin said in an interview with ANTARA.

He said the agreement would create broader opportunities for economic cooperation between Kuwait and Indonesia.

Al-Yassin identified energy, security, transportation and raw materials as sectors with strong potential for deeper bilateral collaboration.

He also said Kuwait sought to expand cooperation in investment, aviation, information technology, education and cultural exchanges.

Kuwait considers international trade a strategic priority because its arid climate limits agricultural production, making the country heavily dependent on food imports.

Oil remains Kuwait's main export, with much of its output shipped to Asian markets, including Indonesia, China, Japan, South Korea and India.

During Tuesday's visit, Al-Yassin met ANTARA President Director Benny Siga Butarbutar to discuss strengthening media cooperation.

The talks included potential news exchange cooperation between ANTARA and the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

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Reporter: Uyu Septiyati Liman

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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