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Japan

Japan’s efforts on Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
23-Aug-2006 MOFA
Snapshot of Japan’s current bilateral free trade agreement efforts, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Japan-Viet Nam BIT (2003)
22-Aug-2006
Vietnamese, Japanese governments sign scientific co-operation agreement
22-Aug-2006 Nhan Dan
The agreement signed between the two governments will facilitate exchanges of information and scientists and technicians providing training to improve professional skills and the protection of intellectual property rights.
Asean can thwart economic hegemony through FTA, says Laos
21-Aug-2006
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the six East Asean members as proposed by Japan can help thwart the rich nations’ economic hegemony in the region, said Laos Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Nam Viyaketh.
Consider everyone’s interest in FTA, says Vietnam
21-Aug-2006
Vietnam wants ASEAN to weigh the interest of all its members before deciding on the Asean Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with its six East Asia partners, an official said Sunday.
Japan must act amid trade talk rubble
21-Aug-2006
The World Cup of soccer wrapped up last month on an uncertain note. The unfortunate incident between French star Zinedine Zidane and Italian Marco Materazzi left an unsavory taste in the mouths of spectators worldwide. But there was probably a more significant though less closely watched international competition going on that month which may have resulted in all nations losing out.
Japan draws up Nikai initiative to boost regional trade
20-Aug-2006 The Star
The Japanese private sector is pivotal in pushing the initiative, as they want to dangle what is undoubtedly a carrot for Asean countries to propel the proposed East Asia Free Trade Area (EAFTA).
Free trade pacts more dangerous than WTO - IBON
20-Aug-2006 IBON Foundation
In the wake of the collapse of the Doha talks in the World Trade Organization (WTO), negotiations for the Philippines to enter into an Asia-Pacific free trade agreement (FTA) have become more urgent for industrialized countries. But independent think-tank IBON Foundation warns that entering into an FTA could be even more dangerous than liberalization under the WTO.
East Asia FTA can be done in 10 years, says Ong
9-Aug-2006
A free trade agreement (FTA) between Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) and China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and India (East Asia FTA) is possible in the next 10 years, Asean secretary-general, Ong Keng Yong, said Tuesday.
A reality cheque
2-Aug-2006
An intensification of efforts for free trade agreements across countries is logical after the inconclusive Doha round. India is no laggard-with its renewed vigour on the ‘look east’ front, and with pragmatic moves for economic pacts with the US and EU.
Japan faces rocky FTA road
2-Aug-2006
Now that the global trade talks under the World Trade Organization have collapsed, Japan will be forced to walk down what looks like a rocky road to seek bilateral free trade agreements, marking a departure from its trade policy based on both multilateral and bilateral approaches.
Downer upbeat on Japan FTA talks
2-Aug-2006
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer ended a Tokyo visit yesterday confident that negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan, the most lucrative bilateral deal available to Australia, can start next year.
Australia, Japan hope to start FTA talks
2-Aug-2006
Visiting Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed hope that Canberra could enter into official negotiations on a free trade agreement with Japan next year by concluding the ongoing feasibility study at an early date, Japanese officials said.
Japan trade deal ’bigger than China’
2-Aug-2006
A free trade deal between Australia and Japan could be a multi-billion dollar bonanza for both countries, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has suggested.
Japan to propose 16-nation Asian FTA, including India
2-Aug-2006 Economic Times
Japan’s trade minister will propose forming a 16-nation East Asian free trade zone, including India, that covers half the world’s population and a quarter of its gross domestic product at an upcoming regional forum, an official said.
Japan: Free trade deal with Manila stumbles over labour
1-Aug-2006 IPS
While 23 July marked the 50th anniversary of bilateral friendship between Japan and the Philippines, Tokyo has decided not to use the occasion to conclude a long-awaited free trade agreement (FTA) with a fellow Asian country.
Japan to focus on FTAs after collapse of WTO Talks
31-Jul-2006
Japan is expected to focus its trade policy more on bilateral free trade agreements after the World Trade Organization’s Doha round of global trade liberalization talks has effectively collapsed.
Expert panel wants India, Japan economic pact to get cracking
30-Jul-2006 Financial Express
A joint study group, which was set up during the Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s visit to India in 2005, has given the green signal for having a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Japan.
RI-Japan trade deal waiting on new law
28-Jul-2006
Trade Minister Mari Elka Pengestu says the government cannot sign a much-awaited Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan by the year’s end unless the House of Representatives speeds up the passage of the new investment bill.
ANALYSIS: WTO collapse forces Japan down rocky FTA road
27-Jul-2006 Kyodo
Now that the global trade talks under the World Trade Organization have collapsed, Japan will be forced to walk down what looks like a rocky road to seek bilateral free trade agreements, marking a departure from its trade policy based on both multilateral and bilateral approaches.