JAKARTA - Indonesia and Japan continue to strive to increase cooperation in the manufacturing sector through strategic steps and the implementation of the commitments that have been made. In the near future, one of the agendas that will be the focus of the two countries is the completion of the protocol for amendments to the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJ-EPA) which will be announced by the two heads of state at the G20 Summit in November 2022 in Bali.
“We will open wider access and offer more substantive offers in relation to trade in goods negotiations related to manufactured products. We hope that this will be a win-win solution for both parties," said Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Thursday (8/9).
Several issues that are still being negotiated in the IJ-EPA cooperation include trade in goods, services, economic cooperation, the movement of individuals (MNP), and the Rule of Origin. “There are also issues related to industry, the implementation of New MIDEC and an improved offer for steel products.
Meanwhile, on the agenda of the G20 Presidency, the Ministry of Industry expects support from the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for the sustainability of industrial inclusion in discussions at the G20 forum. In the Trade, Investment, and Industry Working Group (TIIWG) of the G20 Indonesia Presidency in 2022, the Indonesian government proposes industrial inclusion in the discussion of the G20 forum and hopes that the discussion of industry issues can be carried out continuously in the next Presidency.
The Minister of Industry also appreciates the commitment of Japanese automotive companies that continue to increase their investment in Indonesia, such as Mitsubishi which is committed to increasing investment for new models including hybrid types, and Toyota which will make large investments to produce electric vehicles. In addition to the automotive sector, Sojitz Corporation's plan to build a methanol industry in Bintuni Bay, West Papua was also discussed. (LM)