Japan and Indonesia Forge Stronger Trade Ties, Paving the Way for Next-Generation Cars

Indonesia and Japan have concluded negotiations on protocols to improve their bilateral economic agreements, with Japan agreeing to remove trade barriers and allow greater access for Indonesian products, including by removing tariffs on processed fishery items. The two countries are aiming to implement the amended Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) by the first quarter of 2024, pending formal signing and ratification by their respective parliaments. The negotiations also touched on critical minerals and Indonesia's position in the global electric vehicle battery supply chain. Additionally, Japan has provided Indonesia's coastguard with a patrol vessel to enhance its maritime capacity.