The Japanese Government is set to approve at today’s (Feb. 15) Cabinet Meeting the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the Republic of India (“IJCEPA”), with signature scheduled for February 16. This will rank as Japan’s 12th EPA, once it enters into force.

1. On February 15 (Tue.), the Government of Japan decided at its Cabinet Meeting to sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the Republic of India (“IJCEPA”).
2. Based on this decision, Mr. Seiji Maehara, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India, will sign this Agreement and its Implementing Agreement on the occasion of their meeting to be held on February 16 (Wed.) in Tokyo.
3. It is expected that this Agreement will promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment between the two countries and will further vitalize both economies by strengthening reciprocal economic ties in wide-ranging fields.

February 15, 2011

Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau