The leaders of Japan and the Republic of Peru held a telephone conference on April 14 and agreed to start negotiations for a Japan-Peru Economic Partnership Agreement.

1. During the November 2008 meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso and Peruvian President Alan Garcia, both countries agreed to give positive consideration to the commencement of negotiations for a Japan-Peru EPA. Since then both governments have been working with each other to coordinate relevant issues.
2. On April 14, Prime Minister Aso and President Garcia held a telephone conference and agreed to start negotiations for a Japan-Peru EPA. A specific schedule for the negotiations will be arranged between both sides.

April 14, 2009

Latin America Office and Economic Partnership Division, Trade Policy Bureau