Japan Press Weekly

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2012 January 18 - 24 [POLITICS]

Japan starts prior consultation on participation in TPP

The Japanese government on January 17 started a series of bilateral prior consultation meetings with nine nations, starting with Vietnam, in preparation for participating in negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free-trade pact.

Approval of the nine countries is necessary for Japan to have a seat at the TPP negotiation table.

The governments of TPP negotiating countries other than the U.S. will decide whether or not to approve Japan’s entry into the TPP negotiation. The U.S. government will ask for the approval of Congress where large corporations and agribusiness interests have much influence.

In consultation with the United States, Japan will probably be forced to accept a “complete elimination of tariffs” which includes the opening of Japan’s markets for beef, cars, and postal services.

Foreign Minister Genba Koichiro, in response to the question posed by Japanese Communist Party Lower House member Kasai Akira, admitted the possibility that Japan will need to respond to such requests at bilateral talks with the U.S.

“Only a handful of large firms in the U.S. and Japan will benefit from the free-trade pact,” said Kasai.

He also said, “Without disclosing any information, the government goes round asking for requests from the nine countries. Such an outrageous move is unacceptable. The government should cancel its plan to participate in the TPP which will deliver a heavy blow to Japan’s agriculture and harm local economies, and will jeopardize the livelihoods of a large number of people.”