Joint Press Release with the Ministry of Foreign AffairsFirst Round of Negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

1. The first round of negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, from May 9 to 13.
2. In this round of negotiations, the meetings of Trade Negotiating Committee, in which senior officials participated, and of working groups such as Trade in Goods, Trade in Services and Investment were held. The scope and method of negotiations, amongst others, were discussed. From the Japanese side, Mr. Yasushi Masaki, Deputy Director-General, Economic Affairs Bureau of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives from other relevant ministries attended the meeting.
3. The next round of negotiations will be held in Australia between September 24 and 27.

May 13, 2013

Economic Partnership Division, Trade Policy Bureau