Jakarta, Aug. 4 -- Indonesia's expanding network of international trade agreements serves as a strategic catalyst for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), Trade Minister Budi Santoso noted.

Budi highlighted that securing trade pacts with key economic partners, including the United States and the European Union, enhances the nation's appeal to global investors seeking expanded market access.

"Our increasing number of trade agreements, including with the United States and later with the EU, is attracting investment," Budi said, following the Indonesia-Thailand Business Forum in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He explained that foreign enterprises based in nations lacking direct preferential trade access to Western markets can utilize Indonesi...