RI, Japan's first EPA talks to kick off on Thursday
RI, Japan's first EPA talks to kick off on Thursday
Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
In response to an agreement inked between Japan and Indonesia
during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's visit to Tokyo in
June, senior officials from the two Asian nations will initiate
the first round of free trade talks here on Thursday.
Modalities needed for further and more substantive
negotiations will be proposed at the two-day talks, part of
scheduled rounds of negotiations aimed at establishing a
bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Minister of Trade
Mari Elka Pangestu said in a media statement on Wednesday.
The modalities will cover, among other things, the basic
principles of negotiations, the structure and coverage of the
negotiations, place and frequency of meetings, as well as setting
up formations for expert groups.
Indonesia will identify the areas in which to negotiate after
the modalities are agreed upon.
The areas range from trade of goods and services, customs
procedures, rules of origin, investment policy, government
procurement, movement of natural persons to intellectual property
rights.
Soemadi DM Brotodiningrat, former Indonesian ambassador to
Japan, will head the Indonesian delegation in Thursday's talks,
while Japan will be led by Mitoji Yabunaka, deputy minister for
Japanese foreign affairs in charge of EPA.
Before agreeing on the upcoming talks, both countries
underwent a series of preparatory talks to identify concerns and
benefits of a possible bilateral free trade agreement.
From Indonesia's perspective, aside from seeking cooperation
to enhance local industrial competitiveness through Japan's
assistance in developing supporting domestic industries, it also
raised other concerns in the sectors of agriculture and
fisheries.
In agriculture, Indonesia has asked Japan to recognize the
country as being free of foot-and-mouth disease, so that in the
future Indonesia may export meat and dairy products to the Asian
giant.
Indonesia is also seeking Japan's support in strengthening its
local tuna fisheries management, as well as combating illegal
fishing in the country's exclusive economic zone.
On Japan's side, it has requested that Indonesia iron out
investment regulations, and reduce or eliminate tariffs on
vehicles and auto parts.
For instance, Japan wants explanations about Indonesia's rules
in investment in the oil, natural gas and mining sector, as well
as in the power sector, in regards to the recent annulment of Law
No.20/2002 on electricity.
Japan is also seeking deeper liberalization in financial
services, with interest in nonbanking financial services
including insurance.
Also, in response to Indonesia's requests, Japan is reviewing
rules to possibly allow unskilled Indonesian workers,
particularly nurses and care givers, to secure full-time
employment in Japan.