Indonesians voice free trade fears

Farmers say they are not ready for expected flood of cheap Chinese goods from free trade deal.

indonesia tomato farmers free trade youtube - step vaessen pkg

A free trade deal between China and the Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) comes into affect this year.

The government Indonesia, which is part of Asean, says removing barriers and ensuring easy cross border trade will help grow the domestic economy.

But many workers are worried they will not be able to compete against a flood of Chinese products and Indonesian farmers, especially, worry that they will soon be out of jobs as consumers choose cheaper Chinese produce.

Thousands of workers have taken to the streets calling for parts of the trade pact to be delayed.

Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen reports from Cipanas in West Java. (03 Jan, 2010)

Source: Al Jazeera