INFLATION NOT ON AGENDA OF ASEAN MINISTERIAL DIALOGUE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- Issues on inflation were not brought up
during the Asean Trade Ministers Dialogue with the Federation of Japanese
Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Asean (FJCCIA) here Saturday.

This is despite rising commodity prices pressuring inflation to go up as
well.

"We didn't talk about inflation at this meeting. But obviously, the issue of
inflation is (more of) a discussion Finance Ministers would have," Indonesia's
Minister of Trade, Dr Mari Elka Pangestu told reporters after the ministerial
dialogue here Saturday.

She co-chaired the ministerial dialogue and is also the current Chairman of
the Asean Economic Minister (AEM).

"From the trade ministers perspective, what we talked about is food
prices and food security issues," Pangestu said.

The stability of food prices and the supply of food can also be linked to
inflation. Supply shortages and a spike in food prices can dictate food price
fluctuations.

"A consultative mechanism between Asean countries should also be put in
place regarding the food issue, with a better sharing of information on stocks,
production, consumption and so forth," she said, adding, better cooperation
will ensure fluctuations in prices did not happen.

She also said issues raised today were on further cooperation in research
and technology with Japanese firms, by having joint investments in the
agriculture sector, in an effort to increase productivity in agricultural
production.

"We can have better cooperation and investment in the agriculture sector,"
she added.

Pangestu said Japanese firms can also contribute both as investors and play
a role in capacity building in the midst of improving food safety
standards, with further cooperation in the development of the cold supply
chain.

-- BERNAMA