ASEAN still not satisfied with Japan market access

ASEAN still not satisfied with Japan market access

CHIANG MAI, Thailand (Reuter): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is still not satisfied with Japan's efforts to allow greater access for its goods, ministers from the six member countries said on Saturday.

"To say we are very happy, I don't think we can say so... We cannot rest satisfied with the state of affairs," Said Thai deputy prime minister Supachai Panitchpakdi at a joint news conference.

But he added ASEAN appreciated Tokyo's efforts so far.

"We are pleased to note that the Japanese government has been making certain efforts not only giving us the leeway to go to the Japanese market but to transfer the technology so that we can improve the quality of our products," he said.

The news conference followed annual talks between Japan and ASEAN, which includes Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines.

The meeting was held as Japan and the United States geared up for more talks in Washington to reach written agreements by Sept. 30 to open a handful of markets or risk U.S. sanctions.

Japan's Minister for International Trade and Industry Ryutaro Hashimoto, while downplaying the importance of the U.S.-imposed deadline, emphasized that whatever results in Washington would benefit Asian trading partners as well.

"Even though the negotiations are being held between Japan and the United States, whatever outcome is gained...will apply equally to all countries including the countries of Asia," he said.

Yen

The appreciation of the yen to below 100 to the U.S. dollar was positive for ASEAN, ministers from both sides agreed.

"Not only the large companies but even the small and medium- sized enterprises are now starting to relocate in ASEAN as well as other overseas countries in large amounts and at a rapid pace," said Hashimoto.

He said rather than trying to block their escape the Japanese government was trying instead to foster new industries to take their place, without being specific.

The result could aid the Japan-ASEAN trade relationship and help with the problem of their trade deficit. Exports to Japan are mostly low value-added products like raw materials and agricultural products while imports are high-value added goods.

Supachai, who chaired the Japan-ASEAN meeting as well as the preceding ASEAN Economic Ministers meeting here this week, said the situation presented good opportunities.

"We just would like to plead with the Japanese government that if there would be movement to relocate, please facilitate those movements. Give us a chance to take over some of the supporting industries," Supachai said.

Indochina -- Page 11