bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

Japan

Japan, Indonesia to launch FTA talks soon
14-Apr-2005 Asia Times
The Japanese and Indonesian governments have agreed to enter bilateral negotiations in the near future toward reaching a free trade agreement in about one year. Among the areas that will be discussed are agricultural and industrial products, natural gas and the movement of people.
Israeli deputy PM proposes FTA with Japan
14-Apr-2005 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.
Japan, ASEAN kick off FTA talks
13-Apr-2005 Japan Today
Japan and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations kicked off their first round of formal negotiations in Tokyo on Wednesday for a free trade agreement with the aim of completing the talks within two years.
Automakers holding up JPEPA
11-Apr-2005 ABS-CBN
Issues involving tariff protection and reduction on automotive products have delayed the conclusion of talks over the planned Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
Thailand pressured to exclude autos from FTA talks with Japan
9-Apr-2005 Kyodo
US and European carmakers recently demanded the Thai government exclude the automobile sector from free trade negotiations with Japan and warned that they may abandon investment in Thailand if import tariffs on Japanese luxury cars are lifted, local media reported Friday.
Japan, S Korea to advance FTA talks
9-Apr-2005
Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki and South Korean Finance and Economy Minister Han Duck Soo agreed Saturday to make progress by the end of the year on resuming stalled talks for a bilateral free trade agreement.
FTA would have little impact on Japan’s farm sector: Aust
9-Apr-2005
A free trade agreement (FTA) between Japan and Australia would not deal a serious blow to Japanese agricultural sectors, a senior Australian Government official says.
Japan rules out early FTA and PTA with Pakistan
8-Apr-2005 Business Recorder
Japanese Foreign Minister Nobuptaka Mechimura has ruled out any possibility of early Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Pakistan.
Indonesia, Japan likely to negotiate FTA soon
8-Apr-2005 VNA
Indonesia and Japan are likely to start talks on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) later this month during Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s attendance at the Asia-Africa Summit in Jakarta.
Thai private sector against Japan trade deal
6-Apr-2005
Thailand’s private sector has warned the government that several of the country’s industries are too weak to cope with the impact of a free trade agreement with Japan.
Malaysia FTA hits roadblock over cars
6-Apr-2005
Negotiations over a free trade agreement between Japan and Malaysia have hit a speed bump over cars, a focal point of the talks, due to Kuala Lumpur’s determination to continue protecting its local industry.
Lobbying by Japanese irks industrialists
5-Apr-2005
Free-trade negotiations between Thailand and Japan could collapse if Japanese negotiators continue to lobby Thai politicians instead of dealing with the country’s trade negotiators, business executives warn.
Local manufacturers cry foul over change in stance on steel
5-Apr-2005
Removing protection of hot-rolled steel under the Thai-Japan free trade area (FTA) agreement will create unfair treatment between local steel manufacturers and automotive makers, according to steel manufacturers.
Mexican free trade under way
4-Apr-2005
Many people in Japan doubtlessly woke up Friday morning ignorant of the fact that April 1 was Day One of free trade with Mexico.
Somkid calls for commission to study steel-related issues : Now a major obstacle in Japan FTA talks
3-Apr-2005
Thailand and Japan should establish a bilateral commission to examine steel quality standards and product requirements of the domestic auto industry, according to Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.
Japan, Thailand strike pact on FTA talks’ farm aspects
31-Mar-2005
Japan and Thailand have struck a basic deal on the contentious farm products segment of trade talks, Japanese government sources said Wednesday.
Japan, Thailand strike pact on FTA talks’ farm aspects
31-Mar-2005 Japan Times
Japan and Thailand have struck a basic deal on the contentious farm products segment of trade talks, Japanese government sources said Wednesday. The deal is a major step toward striking a bilateral free-trade agreement as early as next month.
Thai FTA accord in sight
24-Mar-2005 Asahi Shimbun
Japan and Thailand are expected to reach basic agreement as early as next week on agricultural, forestry and fishery products, moving closer to the conclusion of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
Australia: Push to free up Japan on trade
23-Mar-2005 The Australian
John Howard will ask Japan to support an official feasibility study as the first substantial step towards a bilateral free trade agreement when he visits Tokyo next month.
Japan-South Korea ties on the rocks
23-Mar-2005 Asia Times
When are a few sea-swept, uninhabited rocky islets more than a bunch of rocks? When they involve lucrative fisheries and emotional issues that hark back to the days of the Japanese Empire.