ASEAN discusses migrant workers

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 05/16/2007 7:53 AM

JAKARTA: Senior ASEAN labor officials began Tuesday a two-day meeting to discuss regional cooperation to enhance protection for migrant workers in the region.

Chief spokesman for the Manpower and Transmigration Ministry, Irianto Simbolon, said the meeting was held to further discuss the implementation of the ASEAN declaration on the protection of migrant workers and the blueprint for ASEAN economic integration in 2015.

""The implementation of the declaration and blueprint will be further discussed in a planned meeting in Thailand in 2008,"" he said.

Regarding economic integration, senior officials were busy at the meeting preparing regulations on services and goods in line with the implementation of the free-flow of investment, capital and skilled labor.

The Southeast Asian Association groups Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Manpower and Transmigration Minister Erman Suparno said industrial relations is a crucial topic that will gain greater attention during the meeting, a move reflecting a new trend in the global economy.

Erman also said Indonesia would be prepared to enter the labor market, which is scheduled to be fully liberalized in the region in 2015. -- JP

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