Indonesia scheduled to ink export deals with U.S. firms

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will sign export contracts for electronics and textile-related goods with U.S. businesses this month, Minister of Trade and Industry Rahardi Ramelan said on Saturday.

Rahardi announced after meeting President B.J. Habibie that he would attend the signing ceremonies early this month along with a group of 20 entrepreneurs from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and officials of Bank Indonesia and the Supreme Audit Agency.

Contracts for electronics exports will be signed in Los Angeles, California, and for textiles in New York.

Details on the exact nature of the export items were unavailable.

The delegation will also pay a formal visit to Washington D.C.

Rahardi was quoted by Antara as saying that some foreign buyers doubted the ability of Indonesian exporters to deliver products on time.

The government and the business delegation would work to restore buyers' confidence of prompt delivery, especially for fashion products, he said.

As an example, he said, garments and shoes must be delivered on time because they conform to style changes. Tardy delivery would force buyers to sell them at discounted prices.

Rahardi met with the President to report on the country's preparation for the G-15 developing nations summit in Jamaica on Feb. 10 to Feb. 12.

Indonesia's delegation to the summit will be led by Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita, and will also consist of Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas, he said.

Before the summit, Rahardi will attend the meeting of trade ministers of the G-15 countries on Feb. 6, the news agency reported. The previous meetings were held in India and Egypt.

Group members are Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Venezuela and Zimbabwe. (das)