The Challenges for Trade Policy in a Dynamic World and Regional Setting : An Indonesian Perspective

This is the eighth in a series of lectures in memory of Richard Snape. With Richard's own interests and high standards in mind, the lecture series elicits contributions on important public policy issues from internationally recognised figures, in a form that is accessible to a wide audience.Dr Pangestu has been Minister of Trade for Indonesia since 2004. She is the lead Indonesian negotiator at the World Trade Organisation, and Chair of the G33 coalition of developing countries. In this lecture, Dr Pangestu draws on her unique experience as a trade negotiator, policy advisor and researcher, to provide an incisive assessment of the challenges facing further trade policy reform. Three themes will be explored. The first is to assess the current settings facing trade policy — that is, the context of trade policy over the last two decades, existing conditions post global crisis, and the next generation of issues we face to establish true economic integration. Second is to evaluate the context of a dynamic and changing world and regional setting. This will of course need to take into account domestic changes that have happened in a country like Indonesia, as well as the political and economic setting. Finally, to conclude with analyzing what the recent past and dynamic changes mean for multilateral, regional and national processes of trade policy. In terms of the national process, implications are drawn for a country like Indonesia