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)