Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Indonesia has asked Japan to remove import duty for fisheries products, Minister of Marine and Fisheries Susi Pudjiatuti stated.

"Please consider to remove import duty for Indonesia, as we are still subjected to a 7 percent import duty," she noted on a statement received here on Friday.

Japan should grant free import duty for Indonesia`s fisheries product, such as given to Thailand and Vietnam, as it causes Indonesia lose in competitiveness with the two neighboring states, Minister Pudjiatuti pointed out during a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono in Tokyo on May 30.

Pudjiastuti emphasized that Indonesia is fit to be granted with free import duty for its continuously and intensively effort in countering illegal fishing than the other two countries.

By granting free import duty, Indonesia and Japan will get mutual benefit as many Japanese business people invest in Indonesia`s fisheries industry.

In regards to the request, Minister Kono said that Japan currently has been reviewing bilateral trade policies with Indonesia. He promised to discuss it with Japan`s Minister of Agriculture.

Reporter: Azizah Fitriyanti
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
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