Japanese execs arriving to resolve JPEPA issues
[January 03, 2006]
Japanese execs arriving to resolve JPEPA issues
(Manila Standard Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) The Japanese are keen on resolving contentious issues on the automotive sector under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement within the month.
Trade Senior Undersecretary Thomas Aquino said a delegation of Japanese government officials and car makers are planning to visit the Philippines within the month to facilitate talks that would speed up resolution of the contentious issues.
Auto is one of the major issues that have been holding back negotiators of both governments to sign the deal.
Aquino said he could not respond to the Japanese delegation’s intentions to come over the country pending the Supreme Court’s decision on the temporary restraining order that was filed by civic groups and individuals against government negotiators in the proposed bilateral trade pact with Japan.
The petition was filed on Dec. 6 before the Supreme Court.
Aquino said there is still no clear timetable as to when the proposed deal between the Philippines and Japan would be signed.
"Even if the auto issue is resolved, there are still some kinks that need to be ironed out."
