The Jakarta Post quoted Ms Mari Elka Pangestu trade minister of Indonesia as saying that Association of Southeast Asia Nations free trade area would start up on time with planned tariff cuts by January 2010.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 15th ASEAN Summit, Ms Mari said that the tariff reduction targets due for 2010 would be completed on time. The creation of the ASEAN FTA is part of steps to transform the region into a single economic entity which will become the ASEAN economic community in 2015. She added that "In essence, the ASEAN economic community, is right on track although the implementation rate presently is still only 73.79%."

According to an assessment made between the beginning of 2008 up to September 2009, the group now has a total of 103 action plans, 76 of which have been implemented. The remaining 26.21% includes the ASEAN Single Window and the ratification of various agreements.

For Indonesia, she added that it was the blueprint on infrastructure and health sectors that could probably not be implemented on time. In terms of framework agreements on goods and services including the national single window, she said, Indonesia was considered on track.

She added that "There are few things, such as on investment, which have yet to be implemented but we are sure they will be in the near future."

She said that free trade agreements with ASEAN dialog partners India, Australia and New Zealand were all entering the implementation stage, while those with China, Korea and Japan had already started.

(Sourced from www.thejakartapost.com)