Canada signs new bilateral agreements with Indonesia
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and six provincial premiers today witnessed the signing of four new bilateral agreements on air transport, fishery products inspection, cultural cooperation and geomatics.
"These agreements are testimony to the breadth of cooperation between Canada and Indonesia and are a sign of a maturing relationship," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "They will help strengthen the people-to-people ties between our two countries."
The four agreements include:
These agreements were signed following a meeting between Indonesian President Soeharto, Prime Minister Chrétien and the Team Canada delegation.
More information on each of the agreements are in the attached backgrounder.
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
Air Transport Agreement
Canada's first air transport agreement with Indonesia provides
the framework for Air Canada, as designated airline, to begin
services to Jakarta and Denpasar (Bali). It also allows the Indonesian
carrier, Garuda, to begin services to Vancouver and Toronto. It
is anticipated that both airlines will co-operate initially in
the development of the air travel market, while the public becomes
aware of the services offered and demand increases.
Memorandum of Understanding with respect to the Inspection
of Fishery Products
This memorandum of understanding recognizes Indonesia's Directorate
of Fish, Inspection and Quality Control as the competent authority
to inspect fish processing establishments and products for compliance
with Canadian standards and processing requirements. In addition
to savings in time and money, Indonesian producers recognized
under this MOU will enjoy easier access to the Canadian market
as their products will require fewer inspections upon entry into
Canada. This will also benefit Canada as inspection costs will
be reduced and Canadian consumers will have greater assurances
of high quality imported products. Similar agreements already
exist with Thailand and the Philippines.
Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation
This memorandum of understanding will see Canada and Indonesia
promote exchanges in the fields of culture and sports to enhance
mutual understanding. Activities may include joint programs and
projects between governmental and private organizations, particularly
those involved in cinematography, broadcasting and publishing.
Both countries will facilitate exchanges of artists, athletes,
members of cultural, academic and professional institutions and
others involved in these fields, and will encourage their performance,
attendance and participation at arts, cultural and sporting events.
This agreement also demonstrates the commitment of both Indonesia
and Canada to provide easier access for visitors to art galleries,
museums and libraries, as well as to encourage the teaching, research
and publication of each other's arts and culture.
Memorandum of Understanding on Geomatics
Canada and Indonesia have had strong relations in areas of geomatics
for over five years. A memorandum of understanding between the
Indonesian mapping agency and Geomatics Canada, of Natural Resources
Canada, has facilitated geomatics activities in Indonesia. Several
other Indonesian government agencies are now engaged in geomatics
activities and projects, largely as a result of recent developments
in geomatics technology and applications and the increased adaptation
of these in Indonesia. The new agreement will renew the strong
ties in geomatics between the two countries and will generate
interesting commercial opportunities for the geomatics industry.
Return to regular web page:
http://www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/default.asp?Language=E&Page=archivechretien&Sub=NewsReleases&Doc=news_re19960117201_e.htm