Japan preparing to announce TPP decision
18/11/2012 92
Most viewed articles
The Japanese government is preparing to announce its decision to join negotiations for the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement.
Economy Minister Yukio Edano said Friday the government should join the TPP negotiations before the next general election, which will be held by the middle of next year.
National Policy Minister Seiji Maehara also said Japan should promote free trade by joining the negotiations.
He said if the governing Democratic Party calls for opening up Japan's market in its election manifesto, the TPP will be one of the criteria for a possible political realignment after the election.
But Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said that even if Japan joins negotiations, consultations with other countries involved in the talks will take some time.
He indicated the government is unlikely to announce its decision at this month's ASEAN regional summit.
Representatives of some US industries, including the auto industry, have expressed concerns over Japan's participation.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced last November his government would start talks with countries involved in the TPP negotiations.
But opposing forces within the Democratic Party have limited progress. Business leaders are urging the government to join the negotiations soon.
November 11, 2012
Source: House of Japan
- China retaliates against US blacklist, targets defence and rare earth firms with export controls
- Rising global shipping costs put pressure on Viet Nam’s seafood exporters
- Customs force tightens crackdown on intellectual property-infringing goods
- Continued resilience of Viet Nam's economy
- Viet Nam’s trade deficit raises structural concerns: opinion