France and Indonesia step up cooperation in economy, defence

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto discussed economic and defence cooperation during a bilateral meeting on November 19 with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Antara reported.

President Macron commended Indonesia's plan to enhance its defence cooperation with France through the provision of Rafale jet fighters and joint development of submarines.

President Prabowo Subianto (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron. (Photo: Antara)
President Prabowo Subianto (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL and French Naval Group have set up a joint venture to build the Scorpene Evolved submarine equipped with advanced propulsion and weaponry technology. The collaboration allows Indonesia to receive knowledge transfer from France and strengthens the maritime industry's self-sufficiency, according to the Indonesian news agency.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's Defence Ministry has also completed the three contracts necessary to purchase 42 Rafale fighter jets produced by France’s Dassault Aviation. The first Rafale fighter jets are expected to arrive in Indonesia by early 2026.

Touching on bilateral economic cooperation, Macron suggested both sides continue organising the France-Indonesia Business Forum, with the latest event held in September with the participation of the public and private sectors of the two countries./.

World

Indonesia seeks new markets for palm oil
World

Indonesia seeks new markets for palm oil

Indonesia is the world's biggest producer of the edible oil used in making foods such as cakes, chocolate, and margarine as well as cosmetics, soap and shampoo, accounting for more than half of the global supply.

Thailand optimistic about tourism and spending during Songkran festival
World

Thailand optimistic about tourism and spending during Songkran festival

Deputy government spokesman Anukul Prueksanusak has cited findings from a recent consumer behaviour survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, which said spending during Songkran is projected to increase by 4.5% to 134 billion THB (3.8 billion USD), up from last year’s 129 billion THB

Thailand to negotiate with US on tariffs
World

Thailand to negotiate with US on tariffs

Thailand is on the list of 15 countries that could be affected by Trump’s tariff policy. The average US tariff on Thai imports is 2% while Thailand levies an average tariff of 8% on US products

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake
World

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake

Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong said that a tourism risk and crisis management team will be established to support the industry, with representatives from organisations in the tourism supply chain, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Roads Authority.

Belgian monarchs' state visit to open new chapter in bilateral cooperation
World

Belgian monarchs' state visit to open new chapter in bilateral cooperation

As a major player in the region and one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, Vietnam is an indispensable partner for Belgium. The meetings with the various Vietnamese authorities will therefore offer an excellent opportunity to further deepen and enrich this diverse partnership, according the Belgian Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.