REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia and Japan agreed to enhance cooperation in several economic areas, including fishing and agricultural sectors, to be developed in Sabang (Aceh) and Morotai (North Maluku), Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti stated here.
The minister remarked on Wednesday that in the first phase, the cooperation is expected to be worth US$50 million to $100 million. The minister noted that the cooperation will be implemented by Indonesian state-owned enterprise Perum Perikanan and a Japanese private company.
The cooperation will also encompass the construction of a cold storage, she added. In addition to Sabang and Morotai, the cooperation on fisheries between Indonesia and Japan will also be implemented in Muara Baru, Jakarta.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated that the relations between Indonesia and Japan have continued to enhance over time. "The relevant ministers have already spoken on technical matters. The key word is mutually beneficial cooperation," she noted.
In addition, Indonesia will invite Japan to cooperate to improve access for Indonesian agricultural and fishery products in the Japanese market.