Indonesia
considers delaying implementation
of China-ASEAN FTA
By Channel
NewsAsia's Indonesia Bureau
Chief - Sujadi Siswo
22 January 2010
JAKARTA : Indonesia has said
it will soon discuss with
China its plan to delay the
implementation of the China-ASEAN
Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
which came into effect on
January 1 this year.
President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono said his government
has to protect the interests
of its people, but at the
same time does not want to
be seen as to renegade on
the agreement which was first
mooted in Indonesia.
The Indonesian leader stressed
that Jakarta will continue
to cooperate with ASEAN and
its other partners.
The Indonesian parliament
has called on the Yudhoyono
administration to delay and
renegotiate the China-ASEAN
FTA after fears that the agreement
may hurt local industries.
Indonesian lawmakers have
listed 15 local industries
that needed to be protected,
including footwear, textile,
and food and beverages.
They have given the government
six months to take the necessary
steps in addressing the issue.
There are fears that Southeast
Asia's largest economy could
see thousands of citizens
lose their jobs if local companies
cannot compete with cheaper
Chinese products entering
into Indonesia.
Indonesia's Trade Ministry
has already informed the ASEAN
Secretary-General of its intention
to renegotiate.
- CNA/ms
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