Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government is willing to secure mineral resources like iron ore and nickel, for Japan only if they are also willing to make an investment in Indonesia.

"Under the Law on minerals and coal we will stop exporting minerals after 2014. But the government is willing to supply the minerals if Japan is willing to make an investment in Indonesia," Industry Minister MS Hidayat said after meeting Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yukio Edano at the Industry Ministry in Jakarta Thursday.

At the end of the meeting, Hidayat said Japan is willing to make an investment in Indonesia, especially in the automotive sector and mineral processing industry, like iron ore and nickel processing.

*I will dispatch a number of Indonesian directors general and entrepreneurs for identifying sectors still in need of investments," Hidayat said.

He said the meeting did not only discussed investment but also anti-dumping measures, with the exception of the automotive and electronic sectors, and the possibility of applying a fiscal policy, like tax holiday for their investment.

"Although a replacement of ministers, Japan still hoped the cooperation with Indonesia would not be affected. They also wish us to improve the investment climate and legal procedures," Hidayat said.

He also hoped that before 2014 some Japanese investment has entered Indonesia.

The visit of Japanese Economic, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano to Indonesia was to ask for an explanation on the latest mineral law, and their investment plan in Indonesia. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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