Joint Press Release with the Ministry of Foreign AffairsFirst Round of Negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and Colombia

1. On Monday December 17, the first round of negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and Colombia was held in Tokyo.
2. From the Japanese side, Mr. Jun Yokota, Ambassador in charge of Economic Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from other relevant ministries attended the meeting. From the Colombian side, Mr. Javier Humberto Gamboa Benavides, Chief Negotiator, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, and other representatives attended the meeting.
3. In this round of negotiations, the scope and Terms of Reference were discussed.
4. Both sides decided to hold the second round of negotiations in Colombia next year and the dates would be decided through diplomatic channels.

December 17, 2012

Economic Partnership Division, Trade Policy Bureau