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EDGS Research Talk

Gita Wirjawan, Former Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia

More than five years in the making, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (“TPP”) promised to bring closer economic alliance between powerhouses and developing countries in North America, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Indonesia was not a signatory to the TPP but it announced intention to join – before US President Trump put the nail in the coffin of the TPP when he signed his Executive Order in 23 January 2017. Why Indonesia and other emerging economies were eager to take part in the TPP, what are the challenges for emerging countries such as Indonesia, and what are the key lessons for policymakers from the TPP saga?

Mr. Gita Wirjawan is the Chairman of Ancora Group, an Indonesian business group with interests in private equity investing, natural resources, real estate, sports, and music, which he founded in 2007. A statesman, entrepreneur, investment banker, and musician, Mr. Wirjawan's career spans the highest levels of government and business. Prior to resuming his role at Ancora, Mr. Wirjawan served as Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia. Wirjawan holds a BS from the University of Texas at Austin, an MBA from Baylor University, and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School.