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:

• an air transport agreement;
• a memorandum of understanding with respect to the inspection of fishery products;
• a memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation;
and
• a memorandum of understanding on geomatics.

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.