ASEAN has proven that thanks to collaboration, cooperation, and synergy between the Government and the business world, it has proven capable of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic that has hit the region and globally over the past two years. However, the challenges ahead are still very heavy, such as geopolitical risks and the condition of several financial institutions in the United States and Europe which are still full of dynamics.

Indonesia's economic growth in the first quarter of 2023 was recorded at 5.03% (yoy) whereas the agricultural sector grew by 4.73% (yoy). Meanwhile, the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries sectors contributed 0.04% of national GDP growth. The performance of this sector is shown by the achievement of an export value of USD 1.09 million and contributing 1.62% to total exports during the first quarter of 2023.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto as Chair of the ASEAN Eco-nomic Community Council (AECC), accompanied President Joko Widodo during the 42nd ASEAN Summit Plenary Meeting, which was held on Wednesday (10/05) at Meruorah Ho-tel, Labuan Bajo.

The 42nd ASEAN Summit was officially opened by President Joko Widodo on Wednesday (10/05) at the Meruorah Hotel, Labuan Bajo. The Summit activities will last for 2 (two) days from May 10 – 11, 2023. The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto was also present to accompany President Joko Widodo in the opening ceremony.

After fasting for a full month in the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr which is also a symbol of victory. In Indonesia, the Eid al-Fitr moment is also marked by the tradition of going home or the activities of people returning to their hometowns to be reunited with their families and relatives.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Airlangga Hartarto accompanied the activities of the second day of President Joko Widodo's working visit in Germany to open the Indonesian Pavilion at the Hannover Messe in Hall 2 Fairgrounds, Hannover city, as well as visiting some co-exhibitors’ booths and the opening ceremony of Indonesia-Germany Business Summit. At the event, as Chairman of the National Steering Committee for Indonesian Participation as Official Partner Country at the 2023 Hannover Messe, Coordinating Minister Airlangga welcomed President Joko Widodo and German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz.