| | SEPETEMBER 20268 | | SEPETEMBER 2026IN FOCUSIndonesia and China have agreed to expand bilateral trade beyond US$167 billion, highlighting untapped economic potential between the two countries following their first Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue (CSD) in Jakarta.Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed strengthening economic ties across energy, minerals, maritime commerce, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and food security. The talks also opened discussions in 20272031Action Plan, which will replace the current 20222026 framework.Both sides plan stronger financial cooperation through local currency transactions, communication satellite projects, and continued investment in Belt and Road Initiative projects, including the JakartaBandung High-Speed Railway. Cooperation will also cover maritime safety, defense, research, infrastructure, and STEM scholarships, while Indonesia reaffirmed support for China's APEC 2026 leadership. South Korea is evaluating an energy project as the first initiative under its $350 billion investment pledge to the United States, Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said.Speaking at an American Chamber of Commerce in Korea luncheon, Koo said the Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Corp., established in June, provides the framework for implementing the plan.He encouraged Korean and U.S. companies to identify projects offering mutual benefits, highlighting the energy sector amid rising electricity demand driven by AI.Koo dismissed concerns over delays, saying the government has no intention of postponing decisions. Seoul pledged $350 billion at a Korea-U.S. summit, including $150 billion for shipbuilding, while the remaining $200 billion awaits project designation. The plan aims to strengthen cooperation and support industries. INDONESIA-CHINA AIM TO PUSH BILATERAL TRADE BEYOND $167 BILLION KOREA TARGETS ENERGY SECTOR IN $350 BILLION US INVESTMENT PLAN The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) welcomed US Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel for an executive breakfast roundtable at its Seoul office, marking her first official interaction with the US business community since taking office.The roundtable brought together senior executives from leading US companies across key sectors in Korea. Steel discussed priorities for continued cooperation between the US Embassy and AMCHAM, focusing on opportunities and challenges facing American businesses.Participants explored ways to strengthen bilateral trade and investment while supporting a competitive and stable business environment. Discussions also covered potential collaboration on Freedom 250 initiatives commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.AMCHAM Chairman and CEO James Kim welcomed Steel's engagement and pledged continued closer cooperation. AMCHAM HOSTS US AMBASSADOR STEEL FOR BUSINESS LEADERS' MEETING TRADE & INVESTMENT
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