Statement by Minister Edano on the Japan-EU EPA

November 30, 2012

1. I welcome that the Council approved a mandate for the European Commission to negotiate the Japan-EU EPA and that the conditions are met to launch the negotiation.
2. The Japan-EU EPA will promote our economic growth through expanding trade and investment between Japan and the EU. After the early launch of the negotiation for the Japan-EU EPA, I will make my efforts to negotiate in accordance with our national interests and towards the early realization of the agreement.

Europe Division, Trade Policy Bureau
Economic Partnership Division, Trade Policy Bureau