Indonesia is exploring trade cooperation with the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), an association of West African nations. Ecowas comprises 15 member countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Foreign Minister Retno L.P Marsudi, during the Archipelagic and Island States Forum (AIS) High-Level Conference, engaged in a bilateral meeting with Cabo Verde's Foreign Minister, Miryan Viera, who is also an Ecowas member. Retno sought Cabo Verde's support in promoting the formation of a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Indonesia and Ecowas. According to Retno, with the potential of both regions, especially considering Indonesia's status as the largest country in ASEAN with a population of approximately 280 million, it becomes a crucial partner for Ecowas. With a population of 280 million, Indonesia will become a potential trading partner for ECOWAS, as well as a gateway to enter the ASEAN market, as stated by Retno, as quoted in her official statement on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
Cabo Verde's Foreign Minister, Miryan Viera, welcomed the cooperation that Indonesia plans to establish with Ecowas countries. Specifically, for bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Cabo Verde, Viera proposed collaboration in the blue economy, maritime infrastructure, and tourism sectors. These three sectors are a priority for Cabo Verde. Foreign Minister Retno welcomed this proposal and expressed her intention to facilitate a meeting between Minister Viera and Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy to further discuss tourism cooperation. In addition, both Foreign Ministers agreed to promptly discuss a Bilateral Consultation Agreement and a Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders between the two countries.
