Joint Release with the Ministry of Foreign AffairsThe Working-Level Meeting on the Preparation for the Launch of China-Japan-Korea FTA

1. At the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting held in Beijing on May 13, 2012, a conclusion was reached among the leaders of the three countries that China-Japan-Korea FTA negotiations should be launched within this year, and that the three countries should immediately start preparation work, including domestic procedures and working-level consultations. Following this meeting, the working-level meeting was held as a part of the preparation work participated by the working level officials of the three countries.
2. The participants in the meeting were Mr. Shinichi Nishimiya, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other officials in charge at related ministries from Japan. Also from China and the Republic of Korea (ROK), government officials represented by Mr. Yu Jianhua, Assistant Minister of Commerce, the Ministry of Commerce of China, and government officials represented by Mr. Choi Kyonglim, Deputy Minister for FTA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the ROK, participated in the meeting. The participants discussed arrangements for the future preparation work, including domestic procedures, the scheme of the China-Japan-Korea FTA negotiation, and other matters.
3. The three countries agreed that they will continue arranging matters in order to launch negotiations within the year.

August 21, 2012

Economic Partnership Division and Northeast Asia Division, Trade Policy Bureau