Japan and Indonesia resume FTA talks
Jakarta Post, 12 October 2005
Japan and Indonesia resume FTA talks
TOKYO (DPA): Japan and Indonesia resumed free trade agreement (FTA) talks in Tokyo Tuesday and hope to conclude an agreement within two years, government officials said.
Representing 150 delegates, Deputy Japanese Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka and former Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Soemadi Brotodiningrat began their second round of talks, which run through Friday.
The two nations will discuss trade in goods and services, as well as investment and bilateral cooperation.
Tokyo and Jakarta have decided to hold FTA talks every two months starting in July, and officials of both governments said they are hoping to successfully end the negotiations in less than two years.
Japan requested that Indonesia reduce or lift tariffs on automobiles and auto parts during the first FTA talks held in mid-July, according to Indonesian officials. Tokyo also showed interest in maintaining access to natural resources in Indonesia by improving its economic ties with Jakarta.
Meanwhile, Indonesia asked Japan to help improve its local tuna fisheries management. Jakarta also expressed hopes to export meat and dairy products to Japan as soon as Tokyo recognizes Indonesia as free of foot-and-mouth disease, the officials said.
