The 13th round of negotiations on the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was held from Tuesday, December 20 to Wednesday, December 21 in Canberra.

1. The negotiations were attended by Mr. Shinichi Nishimiya, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and officials from relevant ministries and agencies of Japan; and Mr. Bruce Gosper, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and officials from relevant departments of Australia.
2. Fruitful discussions were held in such areas as trade in goods, rules of origin, and improvement of the business environment, as described below.

   (1) In respect of market access of trade in goods, matters of mutual concern regarding agricultural, forestry and fishery products and industrial products were discussed in light of negotiations so far.

   (2) In respect of rules of origin and improvement of the business environment, both sides continued discussions on remaining issues.

3. The next round of negotiations being the 14th round will be held in Tokyo around February 2012. The detailed schedule will be arranged through diplomatic channels.

December 21, 2011

Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau