Japanese auto experts here

Japanese auto experts here

JAKARTA (JP): Japanese automotive experts are currently in
Indonesia to give advice and provide know-how to the country's
auto-parts suppliers on how to boost their competitiveness on the
international market.

The delegation will stay in Indonesia for 20 days, during
which its members will visit parts suppliers and provide training
for the suppliers' employees.

"International competitiveness has become a pressing issue for
Indonesia in view of trade liberalization," said Bambang Trisulo,
chairman of the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries
(GAIKINDO), in a statement on Monday.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has agreed
to liberalize trade among member countries in 2002 by reducing
import tariffs on various products, including vehicles.

Trisulo said the program was expected to significantly improve
suppliers' operations in terms of cost reduction, quality
improvement, work efficiency and delivery control, as well as
management. (03)