LETTER FROM INDONESIAN TRADE MINISTER TO COMMERCE SECRETARY

UNCLAS JAKARTA 000204 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR EAP/MTS, EAP/EP, EEB/TPP/BTA, EEB/TPP/IPE, EEB/ESC, CBA COMMERCE FOR SECRETARY LOCKE COMMERCE FOR 4930/NADJMI DEPT PASS TO USTR BWEISEL, KEHLERS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON APECO BEXP EINV ETRD KIPR ID SUBJECT: LETTER FROM INDONESIAN TRADE MINISTER TO COMMERCE SECRETARY LOCKE ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: On February 11, 2010, Embassy received official correspondence from Government of Indonesia (GOI) Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu, dated February 9, addressed to United States Secretary of Commerce Gary F. Locke. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Begin text: Minister of Trade of The Republic of Indonesia Ref No.: 188 /M-DAG/SD/2/2010 Jakarta, 9 February 2010 His Excellency Mr. Gary F. Locke United States Secretary of Commerce Washington, D.C. U.S.A Dear Secretary Locke: First and foremost I would like to wish you a Happy New Year. May our cooperation and pleasant relations continue to prosper throughout the year of 2010. Although it has been a while since our last meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting and Leaders Summit, I still recall our engaging discussion. On the issue of PT. Newmont divestment, be rest assured that the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs is looking into the matter seriously and with the objective of a swift and agreeable conclusion. Concerning the Digital Video Conference (DVC) for the Working Group on Intellectual Property Rights, I would also like to inform you that we have already agreed to hold a DVC on February 12, 2010 as part of the preparation leading up to the tenth Trade and Investment Council (TIC) Senior Officials Meeting this year. It is hoped that some progress on bilateral issues will be made. I greatly appreciate your supportive statement and offer of assistance to our effort in intellectual property rights protection. We are hopeful of graduating from the Priority Watch List in this year's Special 301 review. Last but not least, I wish to turn your attention further to the issue of subsidy and dumping allegations towards Indonesia's Certain Coated Paper (CCP) products. Please note that the same allegations were found to be groundless in a previous case. I appreciate the attention and efficiency of the handling of this case and hope for a positive closure. Thank you for your kind attention. Sincerely yours, Mari Elka Pangestu End Text HUME