Israeli deputy PM proposes FTA with Japan
Wednesday April 13, 2:14 PM
Israeli deputy PM proposes FTA with Japan
(Kyodo) - Visiting Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert proposed Wednesday that the two countries should study concluding a bilateral free trade agreement when he met with Japanese trade minister Shoichi Nakagawa, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said.
Olmert, who is concurrently minister of industry, trade and labor, said during a breakfast meeting with Nakagawa that an FTA between Israel and Japan would be "useful for expanding bilateral business relations."
At the meeting, Nakagawa suggested that Japan accept an expert from an Israeli research institute as part of technological cooperation between the two countries. Olmert welcomed the offer, according to the ministry.
Olmert has been in Japan since Sunday for a four-day visit with more than 50 Israeli business leaders. He has met with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and other leaders during the trip.
