RI, Japan's first EPA talks to kick off on Thursday<\/p>\n
Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
In response to an agreement inked between Japan and Indonesia
\nduring President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's visit to Tokyo in
\nJune, senior officials from the two Asian nations will initiate
\nthe first round of free trade talks here on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Modalities needed for further and more substantive
\nnegotiations will be proposed at the two-day talks, part of
\nscheduled rounds of negotiations aimed at establishing a
\nbilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Minister of Trade
\nMari Elka Pangestu said in a media statement on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The modalities will cover, among other things, the basic
\nprinciples of negotiations, the structure and coverage of the
\nnegotiations, place and frequency of meetings, as well as setting
\nup formations for expert groups.<\/p>\n
Indonesia will identify the areas in which to negotiate after
\nthe modalities are agreed upon.<\/p>\n
The areas range from trade of goods and services, customs
\nprocedures, rules of origin, investment policy, government
\nprocurement, movement of natural persons to intellectual property
\nrights.<\/p>\n
Soemadi DM Brotodiningrat, former Indonesian ambassador to
\nJapan, will head the Indonesian delegation in Thursday's talks,
\nwhile Japan will be led by Mitoji Yabunaka, deputy minister for
\nJapanese foreign affairs in charge of EPA.<\/p>\n
Before agreeing on the upcoming talks, both countries
\nunderwent a series of preparatory talks to identify concerns and
\nbenefits of a possible bilateral free trade agreement.<\/p>\n
From Indonesia's perspective, aside from seeking cooperation
\nto enhance local industrial competitiveness through Japan's
\nassistance in developing supporting domestic industries, it also
\nraised other concerns in the sectors of agriculture and
\nfisheries.<\/p>\n
In agriculture, Indonesia has asked Japan to recognize the
\ncountry as being free of foot-and-mouth disease, so that in the
\nfuture Indonesia may export meat and dairy products to the Asian
\ngiant.<\/p>\n
Indonesia is also seeking Japan's support in strengthening its
\nlocal tuna fisheries management, as well as combating illegal
\nfishing in the country's exclusive economic zone.<\/p>\n
On Japan's side, it has requested that Indonesia iron out
\ninvestment regulations, and reduce or eliminate tariffs on
\nvehicles and auto parts.<\/p>\n
For instance, Japan wants explanations about Indonesia's rules
\nin investment in the oil, natural gas and mining sector, as well
\nas in the power sector, in regards to the recent annulment of Law
\nNo.20\/2002 on electricity.<\/p>\n
Japan is also seeking deeper liberalization in financial
\nservices, with interest in nonbanking financial services
\nincluding insurance.<\/p>\n
Also, in response to Indonesia's requests, Japan is reviewing
\nrules to possibly allow unskilled Indonesian workers,
\nparticularly nurses and care givers, to secure full-time
\nemployment in Japan.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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