Indonesia, Japan in free trade talks
Indonesia, Japan in free trade talks
www.chinaview.cn 2005-07-14
JAKARTA, July 14 (Xinhuanet) — Under an agreement inked with Japan during Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s visit to Tokyo in June, senior officials from the two nations are to open the first round of free trade talks here on Thursday.
Modalities needed for further and more substantive negotiations will be proposed at the two-day talks, part of scheduled rounds of negotiations aimed at establishing a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu was quoted by The Jakarta Post newspaper as saying.
The modalities will cover, among other things, the basic principles of negotiations, the structure and coverage of the negotiations, place and frequency of meetings, as well as setting up formations for expert groups, she said.
Indonesia will identify the areas in which to negotiate after the modalities are agreed upon.
The areas range from trade of goods and services, customs procedures, rules of origin, investment policy, government procurement, movement of natural persons to intellectual property rights.
Soemadi Brotodiningrat, former Indonesian ambassador to Japan, heads the Indonesian delegation to Thursday’s talks, while Japan is led by Mitoji Yabunaka, deputy minister for Japanese foreign affairs in charge of EPA.
From Indonesia’s perspective, aside from seeking cooperation toenhance local industrial competitiveness through Japan’s assistance in developing supporting domestic industries, it also raised other concerns in the sectors of agriculture and fisheries.
In agriculture, Indonesia has asked Japan to recognize the country as being free of foot-and-mouth disease, so that in the future Indonesia may export meat and dairy products to the Asian giant.
Indonesia is also seeking Japan’s support in strengthening its local tuna fisheries management, as well as combating illegal fishing in the country’s exclusive economic zone.
On Japan’s side, it has requested that Indonesia iron out investment regulations, and reduce or eliminate tariffs on vehicles and auto parts.
Japan is also seeking deeper liberalization in financial services, with interest in non-banking financial services including insurance.
Also, in response to Indonesia’s requests, Japan is reviewing rules to possibly allow unskilled Indonesian workers, particularly nurses and care givers, to secure full-time employment in Japan.
