Japanese govt supports Soeharto's initiative

JAKARTA (JP): Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Taizo Watanabe is confident that Tuesday's APEC leaders meeting in Bogor will be a milestone in advancing further economic development in the Asia Pacific region.

"I am sure the meeting, under the excellent chairmanship of President Soeharto, will further advance the objective of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum," Watanabe said in an interview.

The Japanese diplomat, who started his posting here three months ago, sees the meeting as a very important way to exchange views and discuss the dynamic economy in the region.

He foresees vigorous and serious discussion not only on further enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding but also on trade and investment liberalization.

Watanabe referred to the recent report from the APEC's Eminent Persons Group which, among other things, recommended free trade in the region by 2020.

"I think there will be very active and productive discussions based on the report," he added.

Japan, largely dependent on free international trade for its economic development and growth, will certainly benefit from the advancement of free trade within the framework of the World Trade Organization, Watanabe said.

He discarded recent media reports of opposition in Japan to the specific timetable recommended for achieving free trade in the APEC region as simply not representing the view of the Japanese government.

Watanabe said that the Japanese government pursues a system of consensus building. During this process various views emerge and some media may only emphasize the views of a particular segment.

The foreign press is free to highlight the angle they like. But they don't always understand the Japanese system of consensus building and may misunderstand the real situation, he said.

"But what I would like to emphasize is that the Japanese government and Prime Minister Murayama firmly support the initiative (regarding free trade) taken by President Soeharto," Watanabe stressed.(vin)