Indonesia, Japan sign partnership agreement amendments to boost exports

JAKARTA, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) — Indonesia and Japan signed the Protocol of Amendments to the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) via a video conference led by Indonesia’s Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan and Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa on Thursday.
Following the implementation of these changes to IJEPA, Indonesia’s exports to Japan are projected to increase by an average of 11.6 percent per year, and exports to Japan are predicted to rise to 36 billion U.S. dollars by 2028, Hasan said.
The amended agreement also opens new avenues for Indonesian workers to enter the Japanese job market, not only in the nursing and manufacturing sectors but also in real estate, banking and transportation.
The ratification of the amendments is anticipated to be completed by 2025. Key changes included enhanced commitments in goods trade, services and e-commerce.
IJEPA, which has been in effect since 2008, is Indonesia’s first bilateral trade agreement with Japan and requires a review every five years. ■