The second meeting of the Joint Study for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and the Republic of Colombia was held n Tokyo from February 21 (Tue.) to 23 (Thu.).
In the meeting, both sides exchanged views on topics such as bilateral economic relations between the two countries and the possible items to be included in the EPA.

1. The second meeting of the Joint Study for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and the Republic of Colombia was held in Tokyo from February 21 (Tue.) to 23 (Thu.).
2. In the meeting, the groups, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism of Colombia, exchanged views on topics such as bilateral economic relations between the two countries and the possible items to be included in the EPA.
3. H.E. Ms. María Ángela HOLGUÍN CUÉLLAR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, as well as Mr. Toshiyuki Kato, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, participated in the Closing Session held on February 23, and confirmed that both countries keep closely in contact .
4. Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting in Bogota, of which the schedule will be coordinated through diplomatic channels.

*The Governments of Japan and the Republic of Colombia agreed to launch a joint study for an EPA at the Japan-Colombia Summit Meeting held in September 2011. The first meeting of the Joint Study was held in Bogota, Colombia, on November 29 and 30, 2011.

February 23, 2012

Latin America and Caribbean Office, Trade Policy Bureau