Kadin Wants Maritime Development To Be Harmonized With MEA Preparations

Jakarta, Feb 2 (Antara) - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has stated that the development of the maritime sector should be harmonized with preparations for the ASEAN Economic Community (MEA) in 2015. "Indonesia should be able to capture all economic opportunities offered by the ASEAN Economic Community (MEA)," Kadin Vice-Chairman Yugi Prayanto said here on Monday. According to him, Indonesia should engage in comprehensive, clear, and fair fisheries cooperation with ASEAN countries. He noted that capital and regulation support were needed to improve the welfare of Indonesian fishermen. He also proposed a processing cooperation scheme with ASEAN countries that, however, will ensure Indonesia's sovereignty as the owner of fisheries resources. It was reported earlier that Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti issued various controversial policies to prepare Indonesia for MEA. "In the run-up to the ASEAN Economic Community, Indonesia must become a leader in domestic markets," Susi Pudjiastuti stressed here on Wednesday.***1***