The 14th round of negotiations on the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was held from February 14 to 17 in Tokyo.

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 a variety of areas including trade in goods and services, investment, energy and mineral resources and food supply 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. For trade in services and investment, negotiations were continued on requests from both countries and draft agreement was discussed.
   3. In the area of energy and mineral resources, possible measures for stable supply of energy and mineral resources were examined and a draft agreement was discussed.
   4. In respect of food supply, possible measures for stable food supply were examined and a draft agreement was discussed.

3. The next round of negotiations being the 15th round will be held in Canberra around April 2012. The detailed schedule will be arranged through diplomatic channels.

February 17, 2012

Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau