"Concerning trade, I think we keep a very good balance of trade," Masaki said at a media briefing marking the end of his assignment in Indonesia on Tuesday.
He underlined that trade is central to bilateral relations between the two countries, but also noted that cooperation goes beyond trade alone.
According to him, Japan and Indonesia have succeeded in maintaining a healthy balance of trade, and both sides are expected to continue this trend.
To support this balance, the two countries have bilateral agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Masaki said the agreements had recently been reviewed and were seen as increasingly favorable for Indonesian exports to Japan, while also benefiting Japan.
In addition to trade, Masaki underscored Japan’s efforts to increase investment in Indonesia.
He said Japanese companies have expanded investments in sectors including infrastructure, automotive, agriculture, and fisheries.
He expressed confidence that such investments would further encourage Japanese corporate interest in Indonesia.
The ambassador also stressed the importance of exchanges between people from both nations, calling them vital for long-term bilateral relations.
"Exchange of people does not appear in trade figures. But for the future of our bilateral relations, it is very important," he noted.
Masaki officially began his tenure as Japan’s ambassador to Indonesia on October 24, 2023.
Born in Tokyo in 1962, he graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tokyo before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Since 2017, he served as Director of the European Bureau at the ministry and held various strategic positions in Europe before being assigned to Indonesia.
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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Primayanti
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