The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce was pleased to host a visit from the Ambassador of Indonesia, highlighting growing trade ties and emerging opportunities between Alberta, Canada, and Indonesia. The conversation focused on workforce strengths, strategic trade alignment, and the untapped potential for deeper economic collaboration.
Here are the key takeaways.
Canada–Indonesia trade is growing, with room to expand
Trade between Alberta and Indonesia has increased by approximately 65% since 2021, demonstrating strong momentum. Despite this growth, both sides agreed there remains significant untapped potential, particularly for Alberta businesses looking to diversify export markets. The Canada–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was identified as a major opportunity to deepen bilateral trade. Canada has ratified the agreement and is expecting Indonesia to do the same. Once fully implemented, CEPA is expected to reduce barriers, improve market access, and create greater certainty for businesses on both sides.
Energy diversification creates opportunity
Currently, approximately 68% of Indonesia’s oil imports come from eastern suppliers. Indonesia is actively looking to diversify energy sources, including Canada, and has expressed interest in granting Most‑Favoured‑Nation (MFN) status to goods. This creates meaningful opportunities for Alberta’s energy and export sectors.
Shared strengths support collaboration
Indonesia, like Canada, has a young population, diverse geography, and a rapidly expanding digital economy. Indonesia is also looking to expand its reach and influence within the ASEAN region, creating additional opportunities for Canadian companies to partner, invest, and scale through Southeast Asia. Both Indonesia and Canada are uniquely positioned in critical minerals. Exploring how these shared strengths can translate into strategic trade, investment, and supply chain partnerships was identified as a key opportunity moving forward.
Thank you to those who joined us for this conversation.
- His Excellency, Muhsin Syihab, Indonesia's Ambassador to Canada
- Mrs. Nina Kurnia Widhi, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Vancouver
- Rory Wheat, VP of Development, Varme Energy Inc.
- Jennele Giong, Senior Consultant Energy, ISP
- Bhuvan Maingi, Founder & Managing Partner, Strathen Group
Stay engaged
The Chamber will continue working to connect Edmonton businesses with international partners and highlight opportunities to grow trade and investment.
Have your say.
The Edmonton Chamber wants to hear from you. What are the top issues and priorities for your business? Start the conversation by writing to policy@edmontonchamber.com
