METI Vice-Minister for International Affairs Hosaka Visits India (Attending the G20 Trade and Investment Minister’s Meeting)

1. Outline

• On August 24 (Thur.) and 25 (Fri.), the G20 Trade and Investment Minister’s Meeting was held in Jaipur, India. As representatives of Japan, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yamada and Vice-Minister for International Affairs Hosaka attended the meeting.
• At the meeting, the participating G20 members held proactive discussions on issues such as strengthening the multilateral trading system, including WTO reform,  building resilient global value chains, and encouraging developing countries and MSMEs to enter global trade.

2. Japan’s statements (highlights)

Vice-Minister for International Affairs Hosaka stated the following points at the meeting.

• At the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) to be held in February 2024, Japan would like to aim to achieve some outcomes toward  dispute settlement system reform. In addition, members should hold discussions on the improvement of transparency in industrial policies and measures and the impact of state intervention in the industrial sector. Considering that opaque industrial subsidies and market-distorting behavior by state-owned enterprises hinder opportunities for other countries including developing economies, Japan would like to discuss the desirable form of disciplines towards the realization of a global level playing field.
• Concerning the WTO Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on E- commerce, Japan, as a co-chair, would like to enhance the effort for the e-commerce negotiations towards a substantial conclusion by the end of 2023. Along with this, the e-commerce moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions should also be made permanent. Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT) is the key concept for inclusive and resilient trade, and Japan considers this effort essential for MSMEs in developing countries.
• Regarding leveraging technologies for paperless trade, Japan conducted a cooperation project between trade platforms among four other countries, including Australia and Singapore, and this succeeded in reducing the cost of preparing trade documents by 60%. Japan would like to promote efforts to mutually link data in accordance with international standards so that relevant stakeholders can accomplish seamless data linkages.

Note: Concerning the Chinese government’s announcement that it would suspend import of  all aquatic products, from Japan,
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Yamada, representing Japan, explained the following points at the meeting.

• The Government of Japan has provided explanations to the international community on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea based on scientific evidence in a transparent manner.
• The Government of Japan will never approve the discharge of the water into the sea in a manner that endangers human health and the marine environment.
• A wide range of countries have expressed their support and appreciation for the IAEA Comprehensive Report, which concludes that the discharge is consistent with international safety standards. Japan’s sincere efforts have been well understood and supported by many countries.
• Today’s decision by China, not based on scientific evidence, is totally unacceptable, and Japan strongly urges  China to immediately repeal  its measure.

Related Material

• Outcome Document and Chair’s Summary

Division in Charge

Multilateral Trade System Department, Trade Policy Bureau