Japan-Backed Infrastructure Project to Begin in Indonesia by Year-End

Jakarta, Jan. 11 (Jiji Press)--Japan's visiting Minister of
Economy, Trade and Industry Masayuki Naoshima and Indonesian Coordinating
Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa agreed Monday to launch a
Japanese-backed infrastructure development project in Indonesia by the end
of this year.

The agreement, announced by the two ministers at a joint press
conference here, was made at a bilateral economic forum meeting attended by
Naoshima and Hatta, and representatives from the Japan Business Federation,
the biggest Japanese business lobby known as Nippon Keidanren.
The industrial corridor project calls for expanding port facilities
and road networks, beefing up railway systems, constructing more power
stations in six regions including Sumatra and Java.
Work to set up special economic zones in the regions will be
commenced within the year.
The amount of aid to be provided by Japan for the project and other
specifics will be decided through further negotiations between the two
countries.
At the press conference, Naoshima said that he wants the two
countries' public and private sectors to be united to make the industrial
corridor project as a symbol of bilateral cooperation.
The Nippon Keidanren officials, meanwhile, showed the Japanese
private sector's intention to step up investment in Indonesia through the
project.


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