Jetro, Kadin sign trade and investment deal

Jetro, Kadin sign trade and investment deal

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) and the Indonesian
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) signed on Monday a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in trade
and investment.

Under the MoU, valid until February 2008, both sides will
promote trade and investment cooperation, particularly in
infrastructures and factories with low-productivity labor.

"We will assign the supporting industry to promote trade and
investment and to strengthen the competitiveness of small and
medium enterprises (SMEs), organize seminars as well as send an
expert to Kadin office to identify and analyze information
needed," said Jetro CEO and chairman Osamu Watanabe.

In return, Jetro requested Indonesia to overcome rampant
corruption practices.

Chairman of Kadin M.S. Hidayat said the assignment of the
supporting industry by Jetro would be implemented early next
year, while direct investment in infrastructure will start in the
second quarter of this year.

"Kadin will send a delegation to Japan in May or June to
explain the needs, roadmap, figures and data of SMEs and the
targeted investors will visit Indonesia in October," he said.

Kadin deputy chairwoman for SMEs and cooperative Eva Riyanti
Hutapea said she would coordinate the mapping of SMEs in the
country this year, in cooperation with their representatives in
various industries.

Meanwhile, Kadin deputy chairman for industry, technology and
maritime affairs Rachmat Gobel said the Japanese supporting
industry, consisting of SMEs, would cooperate with their
Indonesian counterparts not only in electronic and automotive
sectors but also in other potential sectors such as textiles and
farming. (004)