RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/W/178  
19 August 2020  
(20-5617) Page: 1/66 
Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
JAPAN 
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 6 AND 8 JULY 2020  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 16 September 2020 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
JAPON 
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION * TENUE LES 6 ET 8 JUILLET 2020  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquar t@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 16 septembre 2020  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
JAPÓN 
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN * CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 6 Y 8 DE JULIO DE 2020  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 16 de septiembre de 2020  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen in troducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
_______________  
 
 
  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
JAPAN 
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Harald Aspelund  (Iceland)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF JAPAN  ................................ .........  5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  13 
5  REPLI ES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF JAPAN AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ............  56 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  65 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by Japan are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/397/Add.1 and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fourteenth Trade Policy Review of Japan was held on 6 and 8 July 2020. The Chairperson, 
H.E. Mr. Harald Aspelund (Iceland), welcomed the delegation of Japa n, headed by Mr. Kenko Sone, 
Deputy Director -General, Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs ; 
H.E. Mr. Kazuyuki  Yamazaki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the WTO; the rest of the 
delegation  from Tokyo and other colleagues from the Missio n in Geneva; and the discussant, 
H.E. Mr. Dagfinn Sørli (Norway).  
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in addition to physical presence, the meeting also benefited 
from the Interprefy online connection, allowing for a wider participation of the Membership, in  
particular of Japanese officials who could not make the journey from Tokyo given the current 
circumstances. He thanked the Japanese delegation for their flexibility shown by holding the meeting 
in this format, in spite of the time difference with its capi tal and all the inconvenience in logistics 
terms.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements of procedures for the 
meeting. The report by Japan was contained in document WT/TPR/G/397 and that of the WTO 
Secretariat in document WT/TP R/S/397.  
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Costa  Rica; Israel; Hong Kong, China; India; Chile; United States; Brazil; European Union; China; 
Argentina; Norway; Mexico; United Kingdom; Ukraine; Colombia; C hinese Taipei; Switzerland; 
Republic of Korea; Canada; Philippines; Indonesia; and Russian Federation. The following 
delegations submitted written questions after the deadline: Malaysia; New Zealand; Australia; 
Singapore; Thailand; Guatemala; Iceland; and Turkey.  
1.5.  During the previous TPR meeting on 8 and 10 March 2017, Members had noted that Japan had 
continued to face serious economic and demographic challenges and to address them they had 
encouraged the continuation of the "three arrows" of Abenomics, in p articular the structural reforms 
that would allow Japan to further liberalize trade and remove non -tariff barriers. Members had been 
pleased to note that reforms had been under way in various sectors, including agriculture, and they 
had commended Japan's e fforts to increase women's participation in the workforce. For the current 
Review, Members, through their advance questions, sought information regarding measures for 
raising productivity (including of SMEs) and coping with low inbound FDI stocks, as well as on 
trade-related structural reforms in the areas of taxation and the labour market.  
1.6.  Members also recalled that, at the time of the previous Review, they had appreciated Japan's 
development assistance and preferential schemes. Members had encouraged a mo re predictable 
investment regime, better corporate governance, and business -friendly regulations. During the 
review period, key initiatives to improve the business environment included labour force reforms, 
corporate governance improvements and corporate t ax reductions. As indicated by the advance 
written questions, several Members wished to have more details on: trade -related strategies being 
implemented; the scope and impact of recently signed RTAs, as well as future plans in this area; 
GSP-related develo pments; investment facilitation initiatives; and the implications of amendments 
to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.  
1.7.  With regard to trade policy, at the time of the previous Review, Members had expressed 
satisfaction with Japan's efforts to strea mline customs procedures, and for its predictable tariff 
regime. However, they had expressed concern about the high tariffs for agricultural products and 
some industrial goods, and the high compliance costs of some SPS and TBT measures. They had 
also encou raged Japan to increase enforcement efforts to combat counterfeiting. Members had 
congratulated Japan on reforms to facilitate the participation of SMEs in government procurement, 
and had encouraged improvement in the bidding process and administrative pro cedures. During the 
previous review period, although the general thrust of trade policy had remained relatively 
unchanged, there had been developments in areas including customs procedures, contingency 
measures, standards and technical regulations, sanitar y and phytosanitary measures, government 
procurement, competition policy, and intellectual property rights. For this Review, in their advance 
written questions, some Members expressed interest in learning more about developments in certain 
areas, including : customs procedures; plans to simplify the tariff regime; duty reductions and 
exemptions; and anti -dumping and countervailing measures. They were also interested in  SPS-WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  related risk assessment processes and import restrictions; technical regulations, conf ormity 
assessment and inspection; the use of international standards; the scope, impact and beneficiaries 
of incentive schemes; government procurement; competition policy and price controls on 
pharmaceuticals; and diverse aspects of the intellectual proper ty rights regime.  
1.8.  In terms of sectoral trade policies, Members were interested in having more clarity on: 
agricultural reforms and policies; domestic support programmes as well as TRQ administration 
methods and fill rates; fisheries subsidies and capture r egime; incentives and tariff protection in 
manufacturing; energy policy measures; and certain issues on financial, telecoms, transport, 
environmental, and distribution services.  
1.9.  This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. It was also an opportune 
moment for Japan to update the Membership on the impact of COVID -19 on its economy and 
measures it had taken in response. The Chairperson loo ked forward to a fruitful exchange.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF JAPAN (MR. KENKO SONE)  
Introduction  
Opening remarks  
2.1.  Let me begin by expressing our sympathy to those affected by COVID -19 and expressing my 
gratitude to the delegations attending this meeting under the current circumstances. At the same 
time, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Chairperso n, H.E. Harald Aspelund, as 
well as our discussant for this meeting, H.E. Dagfinn Sørli, Permanent Representative for Norway at 
the WTO. We would also like to thank Mr. Willy Alfaro, Director of the TPR Division, and other 
members of the WTO Secretariat, e specially Mr. Sergios Stamnas, Mr. Pierre Latrille and Ms. Katie 
Waters, for their efforts to facilitate Japan's TPR, the very first review after the postponement of 
meetings due to COVID -19. For this review, we received 647 questions from 25 Members befor e the 
deadline, and we are pleased to have been able to answer all of them. We thank the Members who 
have submitted written questions in light of the purpose of this meeting, which is to improve 
transparency of the trade policies of each Member.  
The impor tance of the TPR  
2.2.  Amongst the three functions of the WTO, namely, rule -making, dispute settlement, and 
implementation and monitoring, there have not been substantial achievements in rule -making 
despite drastic changes in the world economy. With regard to di spute settlement, the Appellate Body 
fell into a position of being unable to hear any new appeals. In order to increase the momentum for 
the restoration of confidence in the WTO, Members should strive for rule -making in new areas and 
reform of the dispute settlement system. At the same time, it is vital for Members to fully commit 
themselves to the TPRM, which is the core of the implementation and monitoring function. At the 
previous review in 2017, a number of Members suggested that Japan could take measur es to further 
expand foreign direct investment to Japan. Since then, Japan has been taking measures to foster 
the best business environment in the world. These measures include regional business conferences 
to attract FDI, a review of existing regulatory f rameworks, and digitalization of administrative 
procedures. Japan, as this example shows, has been proactively utilizing the TPRM to improve its 
policies and systems.  
Japan's commitment to the multilateral trading system  
2.3.  Japan, as a strong trading nation, has been achieving its economic growth and prosperity 
through stable and transparent transactions, upholding free and fair international rules and 
encouraging others to do the same. Like many other Members, the Japanese economy has been 
severely hit by COV ID-19 since March, when Japan's Review was initially planned to take place. For 
example, the year -on-year real GDP growth for the first quarter of this year was -2.2%.  
2.4.  This review is based on Japan's report and the report by the WTO Secretariat, which com piled 
information on trade policy developments up to the end of 2019. As such, the recent developments 
brought about by the COVID -19 crisis are not within the scope of these reports. Nonetheless, Japan's 
commitment to the WTO and the multilateral trading s ystem remains unchanged even at the time 
of this crisis. Words about free trade are not equal to deeds committing to it. Although the 
importance of free trade has been frequently mentioned at multilateral fora, we are concerned about 
widespread protectioni st moves such as export restrictions on medical goods including face masks 
and PPE as well as agricultural products. Under these circumstances, Japan has not taken any export 
and import prohibitions or other restrictive measures in the wake of COVID -19, an d this shows 
Japan's unwavering commitment to free trade.  
Promotion of Free Trade  
The Importance of WTO reform in order to maintain and strengthen the MTS  
2.5.  Since the previous review in 2017, Japan has been actively contributing to the promotion of 
free tr ade. First of all, we would like to introduce Japan's efforts and achievements as the chair of 
the G20 last year.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  2.6.  The G20 Osaka Summit was held amid intensifying conflicts over international trade and 
challenges against the very existence of multilateralis m. Under these circumstances, the Japanese 
presidency persistently identified areas of common ground amongst the G20 Members. We believe 
that Japan was able to demonstrate the strong will of the G20 to the world.  
2.7.  In Osaka, the G20 Members reaffirmed the pr inciples of the free trading system, including "free 
and fair", "transparent and indiscriminate" and "open market". The G20 also agreed to promote 
reform of the WTO and improve its functions so that it remains relevant in the future.  
2.8.  The Digital economy is  another area where a significant outcome was produced. "Data Free 
Flow with Trust (DFFT)", first espoused by Prime Minister Abe at the Davos Conference last year, 
was shared as a basic concept for data utilization. On the occasion of the G20 Osaka Summit,  the 
launch of the "Osaka Track" was declared, and it triggered full -scale rule -making on the digital 
economy. We welcome the acceleration of electronic commerce negotiations in the WTO under the 
"Osaka Track". In addition, the Japan -US Digital Trade Agree ment concluded last year provides a 
model for high -level rules in this area. With the advent of the COVID -19 crisis, the importance of 
the digitalization of the economy has been widely recognized and the pace of digitalization has even 
increased. In this c urrent climate, Japan will lead the negotiations toward the establishment of rules 
on the international digital economy in order to expand the circle of cooperation among like -minded 
countries and gain concrete results.  
2.9.  We would also like to introduce Japa n's efforts to improve transparency at the WTO. Though 
the notification obligation serves as a basis for the functioning of the WTO system, Japan finds it 
problematic that notification obligations based on WTO Agreements are poorly fulfilled. In order to 
improve this situation, we submitted a transparency and notification proposal along with the US and 
the EU in 2018. We hope that Members will participate in constructive discussions to reinforce 
notification and improve transparency.  
Regional Trade Agreemen ts (TPP11 ，Japan -EU EPA ，Japan -US Trade Agreement ）  
2.10.  In order to expand a free and fair economic area, Japan has vigorously pursued economic 
partnership agreements such as TPP11 and the Japan -EU EPA. Japan will work toward the steady 
implementation and expansion of TPP11, as well as the steady implementation of the Japan -EU EPA 
and the Japan -US Trade Agreement that entered into force in January this year. Japan will also 
quickly work to establish a new economic partnership with the Uni ted Kingdom following its 
withdrawal from the EU. Japan will also aim to sign the RCEP Agreement by the end of this year and 
promote negotiations for other economic partnership agreements and investment -related 
agreements, in a WTO consistent manner. Throu gh these efforts, Japan will actively promote the 
creation of free and fair economic rules.  
Development (AfT, TICAD, SDGs)  
2.11.  In the current situation where economic and trade forms are increasingly diversified, Japan 
reaffirms the importance of "Aid for Trad e (AfT)" and commits to supporting the efforts by developing 
countries themselves. In order to promote international trade, Japan implemented measures such 
as building the capacity necessary for trade promotion and assisting with infrastructure to accelera te 
trade. Japan provided a total of approximately USD 460,000, through the WTO and the International 
Trade Center (ITC) in 2019, and approximately USD 12.5 billion as AfT in total in 2018.  
2.12.   Japan is also leading development assistance in Africa through tr ade and investment 
promotion. For example, at the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development 
(TICAD 7) held in Yokohama in August last year, we provided opportunities for direct dialogues 
between the public and private sectors of Japan a nd Africa, and discussed ways to promote trade 
and investment between Japan and Africa. Japan will continue to strongly support Africa's self -led 
development through public -private partnership.  
2.13.  Furthermore, Japan has given priority to the implementation of  the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement in developing countries, and has been strongly supporting the international 
harmonization and simplification of customs procedures in coordination with relevant organizations 
such as the World Customs Organization (WCO ). The target regions of assistance are diverse, 
including Asia and Africa.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  2.14.  Since 2018, through the ITC, Japan has been providing assistance for female entrepreneurs 
in developing countries, encouraging marginalized people to participate in international t rade and to 
benefit from it. This will contribute not only to trade but also to the Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs) 5 "Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls" and 8 "Promoting 
sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth,  full and productive employment and decent 
work for all".  
2.15.  With regard to Japan's imports from the Least Developed Countries (LDC), the percentage of 
LDC products subject to duty -free and quota -free measures has been expanded to about 98% of 
products, excee ding the level agreed upon in the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration.  
2.16.  Japan has contributed to increasing export income and promoting industrial structural reform 
and economic development in developing countries.  
2.17.  In addition, Japan has been supporting Sudan 's accession to the WTO as the chair of the 
accession working group since 2016.  
Economic Policy  
The Achievements of Abenomics (improvements of macroeconomic indicators)  
2.18.  At the previous Japan's TPR , many Members expressed their expectations for the further 
advancement of Abenomics. Although the Japanese economy is currently in extremely difficult 
circumstances due to COVID -19, the population employed increased by 4.4 million while the 
working -age po pulation decreased by 5.5 million in the seven years up to 2019. In addition, nearly 
90% of the SMEs achieved wage increases last year.  
Dynamic engagement of all citizens (inclusive growth: responding to low birthrate, 
promotion of female participation, r egional revitalization)  
2.19.  In order to accelerate Abenomics, policies to enhance the potential of domestic economic 
growth are essential. Although Japan is now a low -birthrate and aging society, around 80% of our 
senior citizens at work hope to continue worki ng after reaching the age of 65. We consider the arrival 
of the 100 -year life as a major opportunity, and we are taking measures to ensure employment 
opportunities for those with motivation to work until the age of 70.  
2.20.  Furthermore, there are many women wit h motivations and capabilities in Japan. If we can 
create opportunities for all women and if their potentials are fully met, the Japanese economy and 
society will experience a transformation. The number of women in employment rose by 1.3 million 
in the las t two years. The realization of a society dynamically engaging all citizens is exactly the key 
to overcoming low birthrate and aging.  
2.21.  With regard to regional revitalization, tourism has brought a new lease of life. The number of 
foreign tourists to destinations outside Tokyo increased 180% in the last four years, reaching 
18.4 million. Local economies have started to gain energy, as demonstrated by land prices of 
commercial districts, which shifted to an upward trend for the first time in 28 years. A lthough tourism 
is one of the industries most affected by COVID -19, the industry has begun its efforts for recovery, 
fully paying attention to health issues caused by COVID -19 but also looking ahead to post -COVID 
times.  
Society 5.0 (the fourth industrial r evolution, promotion of innovation)  
2.22.  Japan has carried out various measures toward the realization of Society 5.0, a new form of 
society achieving economic growth and solving social issues at the same time. Society 5.0 will be 
the fifth society in human his tory, succeeding the 'hunting society', 'agrarian society', 'industrialized 
society', and 'information society'.  
2.23.  Specifically, this means extension of a healthy lifetime through remote medical services 
utilizing IOT and AI, promotion of 'smart agriculture'  with super energy -saving and high -quality 
production utilizing ICT and robot technology, promotion of unmanned stores using robotics, AI, and 
self-service checkouts. By bringing about Society 5.0, we aim to solve social issues and create new WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  values. Our w orld number one supercomputer Fugaku not only excels at computation speed but also 
at using AI. It is expected to be utilized in a wide range of areas and to contribute to the realization 
of Society 5.0.  
Economic measures to respond to COVID -19, tax increa se and the latest (end of last year) 
slowdown  
2.24.  Lastly, we would like to give our response to concerns regarding our economic outlook 
expressed by some Members. In response to COVID -19, combining the economic emergency 
measures passed in April and our secon d supplementary budget passed last month, we have secured 
121 trillion yen (approximately USD 1.1 trillion) of fiscal spending, designed to fund the total size of 
measures worth 234 trillion yen (approximately USD 2.2 trillion). This is more than 40% of ou r GDP 
and the largest amount ever secured. The series of economic and fiscal measures to be put in place 
is expected to support our GDP by around 6.4%. We will continue implementing these measures as 
swiftly as possible.  
2.25.  Some Members have asked us about th e impact of last year's consumption tax increase on 
the macro economy. After the tax increase, the Japanese economy slowed down from October to 
December 2019. However, attention also needs to be paid to factors that cannot be attributed to 
the tax increase . For example, not only individual consumption but also capital investments and 
exports were affected by a typhoon as supplies of parts necessary for production were delayed. 
Having said that, the reduction of individual consumption in the final quarter of  2019 was smaller 
compared to that of the time of the previous tax increase. The last -minute increase in demand and 
rapid demand drop right after the tax increase were also smaller than the previous time. In addition, 
the negative effect had been easing to wards the beginning of 2020.  
Request for the Removal of Import Restrictions  
2.26.  Next year will mark 10 years since the Great -East Japan Earthquake that struck on 
11 March  2011. Regarding the import restrictions on Japanese food products introduced by some 
Memb ers after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant incident, at the current time, 34 Members 
have completely lifted the restrictions and 18 Members have relaxed them. We would like to express 
our gratitude to those Members for their objective assessment b ased on scientific evidence. The 
safety of Japanese foodstuffs including fishery products is surely secured due to the measures taken 
by the Japanese Government. At the turning point of the 10 -year anniversary of the earthquake, 
Japan strongly expects the 20 Members that have maintained import restrictions for more than nine 
years to lift the measures as soon as possible.  
Closing Remarks  
The Importance of WTO reform  
2.27.  It is clear that the multilateral trading system is facing challenges at present. The WTO and 
its rules were developed by our predecessors after tremendous efforts based on their bitter 
experiences with protectionism and unilateral measures. "Kaizen", a term originating in Japan, has 
been taken up by corporations across the globe as a term mean ing "continuous improvement". It is 
our generation's responsibility to ensure that all Members tackle the difficult task of WTO reform 
through persistent "kaizen".  
Japan's determination to lead WTO reform dialogue  
2.28.  Throughout history, mankind has suffered from large -scale pandemics such as plague and 
Spanish flu but has always overcome them. The COVID -19 pandemic not only caused a steep drop 
in the volume of world trade but also forced the transformation of trade transactions including 
supply -chains. Althou gh the 12th Ministerial Meeting (MC12) was postponed due to the COVID -19 
crisis, it is vital to achieve, with a sense of urgency, strengthened WTO reform compared to before 
the crisis, given the vulnerability and limitations of the existing free trading sy stem that have been 
exposed under the current circumstances. In 2011, Japan was struck by the Great East Japan 
Earthquake and suffered tremendous damages. However, Japan did not simply revert to its original 
condition but also strived for recovery in the s pirit of "build back better" and achieved it. This is WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  precisely why Japan is determined to play a central role and demonstrate our leadership to build 
back the WTO better in the recovery phase after the COVID -19 crisis.   WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
Introduction  
3.1.  I am delighted to act as discussant for this 14th Trade Policy Review of Japan. This Review 
comes at an extraordinary difficult and challenging moment for the global economy, for international 
cooperation in general and for the multilateral, r ules-based trading system in particular. Let me in 
this context join the Chair in expressing gratitude to Japan for your flexibility and willingness to 
accept this unique format for the Trade Policy Review.   
3.2.  I would like to welcome the Japanese delegation , headed by Deputy Director -General 
Kenko  Sone, who is joining us by digital means, and my good colleague, Ambassador Kazuyuki 
Yamazaki and his team here in Geneva.  
3.3.  Please note that I will limit my comments to the period covered by the review. In light of  the 
special circumstances, my intervention will also be somewhat shorter than customary. Let me also 
be clear that my remarks are made strictly in a personal capacity.  
Macroeconomic trends  
3.4.  Let me start by highlighting a few points related to the macroec onomic context of Japan 's trade 
policy. Before taking the customary glance at GDP growth rates, it should be duly noted that Japan 
maintains its position as one of the world 's largest and most competitive economies.  
3.5.  With this fundamental point in mind, 20 18 turned out to be rather sluggish compared to 2017, 
as real GDP growth fell from a healthy 1.9% to a very moderate 0.3%. Growth recovered somewhat 
in 2019, reaching 1.0%, which the IMF characterize as being "above potential ", in particular in light 
of a significantly weaker external environment. The negative effects from weaker exports and 
export -driven investments were more than compensated by the positive impulses coming from 
public spending and private consumption.  
3.6.  Macroeconomic policies have for a number of years focused strongly on stimulating growth. 
The growth stimulus of these policies has, however, been moderated by underlying structural 
challenges in Japan 's economy and society, in particular related to a tight labour market and 
intensifying d emographic challenges. Furthermore, increased public spending has resulted in 
increased public debt, contributing to the list of risk factors, which in the near term also includes the 
potential fall in domestic consumption as a result of the increase in th e consumption tax rate.  
3.7.  Despite the apparent risk factors, the Government of Japan should be commended for 
acknowledging the challenges and for addressing them with a comprehensive approach aiming at 
supporting growth by monetary and fiscal stimulus, and b y raising employment and female labour 
participation.  
3.8.  In this context, it is worth noting that the IMF Directors, in their latest advise to the Japanese 
Government in January this year, underline the need to "strengthen the mutually reinforcing policies 
of "Abenomics " and accelerate reforms to achieve sustained high growth, durable reflation, and 
public debt sustainability ". In other words: the IMF is recommending more of the same medicine, 
not changing to another medicine.   
Trends in foreign trade and inv estments  
3.9.  Turning to developments related to foreign trade and investments, it should be noted that 
international trade, integration into the world economy and global value chains are of fundamental 
importance to the economic well -being of Japan. In fact, the ratio of trade in goods and services to 
GDP increased in 2018, according to the report from the Secretariat.  
3.10.  I have already mentioned the weak external environment as a factor in hampering economic 
growth. While exports increased by 4.1% in 2018, impor ts rose by 9.7%, resulting in a deficit in the 
trade balance.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  3.11.  The current account remained, however, on the positive side, as a result of Japan 's large net 
foreign assets and high net returns. In this context it should be recalled that over the last four 
decades, and while the trade balance may have shifted occasionally, Japan has had a relatively 
stable surplus in its current account.  
3.12.  Stability seems to be a key phrase also when looking at the pattern of trade flows. China, the 
United States and the Euro pean Union remain Japan 's main trading partners, although some 
relatively minor adjustments in trade shares can be observed.  
3.13.  Japan's outward FDI stocks are significant, corresponding to around 1/3 of GDP. Furthermore, 
the value of outward FDI stocks is ab out six times the value of inward FDI stocks. And while Japan 's 
outward FDI decreased in 2018 and inward FDI saw an increase, the outward flow was still much 
greater – around 6 times greater – than the inward investment flows. While there may be several 
reasons for this striking "imbalance ", it may also be worth contemplating whether there may be 
opportunities for improving the facilitation of foreign direct investments. In this context, it is worth 
noting that the World Bank "Ease of Doing Business " report for 2020 ranks Japan in 29th place. While 
this represents an improvement from previous years, the report identifies particular challenges 
related to starting a business, getting credit, protecting minority investors, trading across borders, 
paying taxes and enforcing contracts.  
3.2  Trade policy developments  
3.14.  Having benefitted greatly from international trade and the integration into the world economy, 
Japan is committed to trade liberalization under the multilateral trading system centred on the WTO. 
The objective of developing "free, fair and high -level trade rules " is reflected both in domestic 
strategies such as the "Abenomics " programme, as well as in bilateral relations, regional and global 
arenas.  
3.15.  At the G20 Osaka summit in 2019, Japan invited wo rld leaders to confirm their support for 
open markets and a free, fair, predictable and stable environment for trade and investments. Japan 
plays an active and constructive role in the WTO, reflecting Japans standing as a leading economic 
power.  
3.16.  Japan con tinues to be active in exploring innovative approaches to advancing the negotiating 
pillar in the WTO. Japan should be commended for being an active partner in efforts to negotiate a 
Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) and an Environmental Goods Agreement ( EGA), and, not the 
least, for chairing the negotiations that resulted in the expansion of the Information Technology 
Agreement (ITA).  
3.17.  Since the last TPR, Japan has in particular demonstrated leadership in advancing the Joint 
Statement Initiative on Electr onic Commerce together with co -conveners Australia and Singapore. 
This initiative, with more than 80 Members participating, is a flagship initiative for updating the WTO 
rule-book to reflect the world economy of the 21st century.  
3.18.  It is my hope that Japan will find a way to demonstrate the same kind of leadership in the 
negotiations on fisheries subsidies, given the considerable level of subsidies provided to the fishing 
sector in Japan, and in line with Japan 's position as one of the world 's largest produc ers and 
importers of fish and fish products.   
3.19.  Japan has traditionally not been a frequent user of trade defense measures. The Secretariat 
report refers to amendments to the legislation on anti -dumping and countervailing measures "aimed 
to ease the conditi ons for applicants requesting the imposition of these measures ". It will be 
interesting to observe whether these amendments will result in an increase in Japan 's use of trade 
defense measures.  
3.20.  The Secretariat report notes that the structure of the MFN appl ied tariffs remain complex, and 
that the simple average tariff rate for agricultural products is significantly higher than for 
non-agricultural products. Furthermore, support to the agricultural sector remains relatively high. 
Coming from a country with so mewhat similar challenges, I can sympathize with the rationale behind 
these policies. I acknowledge that other Members will have different views on Japan 's policies in this 
area, and expect those Members to convey their views during the course of this revi ew.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  3.21.  The most striking development in Japan 's trade policy over the last decade or so has been 
the increased weight on pursuing preferential trade agreements. The Government report lists 
17 Economic Partnership Agreements having entered into force, and a n umber of other 
arrangements under negotiations. Since the last TPR, the Comprehensive and Progressive 
Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force in late 2018, and the agreement 
with the EU entered into force in early 2019. From the perspective of this House, I note that the 
Government report states clearly that regional and bilateral trade policies are means of 
complementing the multilateral trading system.  
Concluding remarks  
3.22.  Stability is a word that comes to mind when describing Ja pan, also as a general 
characterization of Japan 's approach to trade policy. Japan 's openness to trade and integration into 
the world economy has laid the foundation for steady growth and economic and social development, 
resulting in one of the highest liv ing standards in the world. There are many good reasons to 
congratulate Japan on its achievements. Nevertheless, in all countries there are room for 
improvements and adjustments. Constructive input and feed -back from fellow Members of the WTO 
can hopefully  contribute positively in that regard. I wish Japan a successful Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
COSTA  RICA 
4.1.  Con una tradición de relaciones bilaterales establecida hace más de ochenta años, Costa Rica 
y Japón han construido un sólido vínculo de valores comunes. Si bien el Estado de Japón es 7 veces 
más grande en territorio que Costa Rica, y en términos poblacionales Costa Rica es 27 veces más 
pequeña, ambas naciones coinciden por su vocación pacifista y democrática, la defensa de los 
derechos humanos y la protección del medio ambiente.  
4.2.  A nivel comercial, el mercado japonés es muy atractivo para las exportaciones costarricenses, 
dada su sofisticación y valor adquisitivo. En cuanto a inversión extranjera directa, la japonesa 
sobresale por su potencial innovador, con presencia en nuestro país de diversas firmas del sector 
tecnología e industrial.  
4.3.  Desde el año 2000, Costa Rica ha podido más que duplicar sus exportaciones a Japón, sobre 
todo en el área de dispositivos médicos, au nque productos tradicionales como el café, banano y piña 
costarricenses siguen siendo de los preferidos del mercado nipón.  
4.4.  Además, las relaciones de cooperación entre Japón y Costa Rica versan sobre temas relativos 
a desarrollo sostenible, fortalecimiento de las pequeñas y medianas empresas y apoyo a sectores 
vulnerables.  
4.5.  Bajo esta Casa, Japón y Costa Rica coinciden en negociaciones e iniciativas plurilaterales como 
el ITA y su ampliación, las iniciativas conjuntas sobre comercio electrónico, regulación dom éstica, 
facilitación de inversiones y MSMEs, y además somos co -proponentes de una propuesta sobre 
transparencia, entre otros.  
4.6.  Los informes tanto de la Secretaría como del Miembro examinado, ofrecen una visión amplia y 
detallada del estado de situación de l a economía nipona.  
4.7.  Japón ha logrado mantener una economía sólida, estable y competitiva, con políticas que han 
disminuido no sólo la inflación si no también la tasa de desempleo. Estas prácticas son motivo de 
congratulación.  
4.8.  Si bien ambos informes reflejan  en su mayoría una situación altamente positiva para la tercera 
economía del mundo, no deja de preocuparnos la complejidad de su esquema arancelario NMF, pues 
desde la última revisión, la estructura no tuvo variación para los 272 tipos distintos de arancel es y 
se mantienen crestas arancelarias sumamente elevadas. Este es un tema sobre el que Costa Rica 
apreciaría mayor pragmatismo en el próximo examen.  
4.9.  En lo que respecta a este Examen de política comercial, Costa Rica remitió una serie de 
preguntas a Japón  sobre diversos temas, entre los que destacan: incentivos a la inversión, 
resoluciones anticipadas, trámites relacionados con patentes, observancia en relación a piratería y 
falsificación de bienes, servicios medioambientales y comercio electrónico. Querem os agradecerle a 
Japón las respuestas brindadas, las cuáles se encuentran siendo revisadas en mi capital.  
4.10.  Finalmente, quisiera destacar que en medio de la situación que vive el planeta producto de la 
pandemia y del primer cierre global de actividades econó micas y sociales, Japón ha logrado revertir 
el golpe inicial de la infección, controlando de forma destacable los contagios e impulsando políticas 
públicas que permitan la recuperación económica, particularmente de las Pymes. Al igual que el 
resto del mund o, esta es una labor ardua en la que todos debemos luchar unidos y en solidaridad.  
4.11.  A pesar de la distancia y el tamaño, con Japón nos unen más lazos que diferencias y este 
Examen de políticas comerciales así lo demuestra.  
4.12.  Deseo agradecer a la Secretaría p or su esfuerzo llevando a cabo este ejercicio y reiterar mi 
felicitación y manifestarle los mejores deseos a Japón en esta evaluación.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  ISRAEL  
4.13.  Israel and Japan have had close ties that extend beyond economic and trade relations dating 
back to 1952, with t he establishment of diplomatic relationships. Since then, relationships have only 
grown and expanded.  
4.14.  Our ties run deep and include, in addition to bilateral trade, also cultural and intellectual 
exchanges, as well as cooperation in science and technology − this last one being an area in which 
both of our countries excel at.  
4.15.  Before delving into the TPR, Is rael would like to note Japan's successful policy in response to 
COVID -19 pandemic, thanks to which it had among the lowest mortality rates worldwide and a very 
low number of new cases.  
4.16.  Japan is an important economically partner for Israel. Overall, accord ing to Israel 's Central 
Bureau of Statistics, Japan is the eighth  largest trading partner of Israel, in terms of annual turnover, 
and the fourth largest trading partner in Asia.  
4.17.  In 2019, Israeli imports from Japan amounted to USD 2.1 billion while exports to Japan 
amounted to almost USD 1 billion. Total trade between our countries, excluding diamonds, amounted 
to more than USD 3 billion. We believe that there is a room for further increase in the trade volume 
and I would like to note, in this respect, the s uccessful economic cooperation that exists between 
our countries.  
4.18.  Since the last review, and early last year, our Governments signed a Memorandum of 
Cooperation (MOC) in the field of digital health. Under this MOC, collaboration between Japanese 
companies  and Israeli startups will be enhanced, targeting for implementation of a proof of concept 
at Israeli medical institutions.  
4.19.  In terms of the economy of Japan, since the last TPR, and before the current pandemic, there 
have been generally positive developme nts. Japan has maintained its position as the world 's third 
largest and sixth most competitive economy (2019).  
4.20.  Japan has been a keen advocate of international trade, and this is reflected in its degree of 
openness, as well as in its integration into the wo rld economy and global value chains. Israel expects 
this commitment to international trade to continue.  
4.21.  At the WTO, Japan is a key driver of initiatives aiming to develop further the multilateral 
trading system. In this regard, Japan and Israel have had cl ose dialogue and cooperation in areas 
such as the e -commerce joint -statement initiative, where we both share some common interests 
and where Japan has been taking a leading role. In transparency, Japan and Israel are both 
co-sponsors of a proposal aiming t o improve across the board at the WTO.  
4.22.  In the Regional Trade Agreements front, and since the last TPR in 2017, two new regional 
trade agreements have entered into force, namely the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement 
for Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPT PP) and the EU -Japan EPA. These are significant agreements that 
may have important economic consequences for many Members. In this regard, Israel will continue 
monitoring future developments.  
4.23.  During this exercise, Israel submitted questions to Japan and re ceived replies in due course, 
considering the delays caused due to COVID -19 pandemic. The areas of interest for Israel include 
trade agreements and Article 24, MRAs, standards and consumer product safety.  
4.24.  Finally, Israel looks forward to continuing our cl ose collaboration with the Japanese delegation 
to the WTO headed by Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki.  
4.25.  We would like to wish Japan a very successful TPR.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.26.  Japan and Hong Kong, China (HKC) are close economic and trade partners. Japan has been 
among our top five trading partners for decades, while Hong Kong was Japan 's fifth largest export 
market and the largest export market for agricultural and food products in 2018.  
4.27.  HKC and Japan signed a bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agr eement in 1997, 
and we issued a Joint Statement in 2018 to reiterate our commitments to forging broader and deeper 
cooperation on various fronts, including liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment. Japan 
and HKC are a major source of inward,  as well as a destination of outward direct investment of each 
other. There are more than 1 400 Japanese companies operating in HKC, among them, more than 
230 are regional headquarters, and 430 regional offices.  
4.28.  We are pleased to note Japan 's commitment to  strengthening and maintaining the multilateral 
trading system, particularly at a time when protectionism and trade -restrictive measures are rising 
around the world.   
4.29.  Now let me turn to a few specific areas in Japan 's trade policies.  
4.30.  We appreciate Japan 's contribution and leadership in the Joint Statement Initiative on 
e-Commerce. HKC looks forward to working with Japan on this initiative, which is crucial to the 
business world today.  
4.31.  We also commend Japan 's effort in enhancing and promoting trade facilita tion in the 
multilateral context. Japan has expanded its offer of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) customs 
clearance facilitation for more Members and has provided AEOs with the flexibility to lodge their 
declarations at any customs office to enhance eff iciency and reduce costs. Japan has also enlarged 
the scope of online logistics services provided by its single electronic window.  
4.32.  On investment facilitation, we highly appreciate Japan 's active participation in the Joint 
Statement Initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development. HKC looks forward to working 
closely with Japan and other like -minded Members to further develop the multilateral framework on 
investment facilitation, wit h a view to working towards a concrete outcome at MC12.  
4.33.  On tariffs, we are pleased to note Japan has bound 98.1% of its total tariff lines and the high 
degree of predictability in Japan 's tariff regime. Nonetheless, noting that tariff peaks exceeding 15% 
apply to nearly 8% of Japan 's tariff lines, we encourage Japan to consider reducing such tariff peaks.  
4.34.  On agriculture, Japan 's last notification to the WTO on domestic support only covers the fiscal 
year 2016. We urge Japan to submit the outstanding notific ations to the WTO timelier to enhance 
transparency.  
4.35.  HKC would like to reiterate our commitment to fostering our economic and trade cooperation 
with Japan, and collaborating further in pursuing progressive liberalization of international trade at 
this chall enging time. We thank Japan for its replies to our written questions and wish Japan a 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
INDIA  
4.36.  We are pleased to note from the Secretariat 's report that during the period under review, the 
Japanese economy has witnessed the lon gest economic expansion of the post -war era. We commend 
the Japanese Government for its efforts to boost economic growth.  
4.37.  India and Japan share centuries old ties of friendship and civilizational linkages. In 2014, 
Prime Minister Abe and Prime Minister Mo di elevated this relationship to a Global and Strategic 
partnership which has now become multifaceted, substantive and deep. Regular high -level 
exchanges take place between both countries. Japan remains a key partner in India 's economic 
development and its  continued growth is beneficial to both India and the global economy.  
4.38.  Deepening trade and economic relations are a key pillar of our strategic partnership. The 
bilateral trade between India and Japan stood at about USD 17 billion in 2018 -19. Exports from WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  Japan to India during this period were of the order of USD 12 billion and imports from India were 
about USD 5 billion.  
4.39.  Japan is our third largest investor and India has consistently remained amongst the most 
attractive destinations for Japanese companies.  Since 2000, their investments in the form of FDI 
into India has grown steadily to more than USD 32 billion. There are nearly 1,500 Japanese 
companies with more than 5,000 business establishments, thriving in India and many of them have 
become household na mes. Japan is also an important partner for our flagship infrastructure projects 
including various industrial and freight corridors, high -speed rail and metro rail projects across the 
country. In recent years, the bilateral cooperation has expanded to new areas including energy, skill 
development, digital partnership, start -up and financial markets to name a few.  
4.40.  In terms of its trade policy, Japan is an open economy. However, the Secretariat report 
mentions that, since the last review, while the general th rust of Japan 's trade policy remains 
unchanged, the regulatory regime of SPS and TBT measures have been further strengthened. As 
noted in the Report, the agriculture sector remains highly protected with some of the highest import 
tariffs with a maximum tar iff of almost 500% and Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) across 101 tariff lines. 
The specific market support to agriculture is double the OECD average.  
4.41.  We thank the Japanese delegation for the replies provided to some of the questions we had 
raised. These will b e reviewed by my authorities. However, I wish to underline some specific trade 
concerns which undermine the tremendous potential of our bilateral economic relations. The 
regulatory regime including technical regulations, standards and SPS measures which in  many cases 
are more stringent than international standards continue to impact agricultural exports from India 
to Japan. The stringent maximum residual levels (MRLs) for agricultural chemicals, chemical 
products, additives for food products etc. are major entry barriers and add to the costs of our 
exporters. Further, our exports of shrimps, organic products, egg bi -products, mangoes, steel, 
textiles and carpets continue to face market entry barriers. Agricultural products such as 
pomegranates, potatoes, etc . are also still awaiting market access. We would urge Japan to review 
the standards and measures to improve market access for Indian exporters by harmonizing the 
standards to the Codex level. Indian pharmaceutical companies continue to face difficulties i n 
accessing the Japanese market due to the stringent and cumbersome regulatory framework and the 
requirement to form joint ventures with Japanese companies. The current pandemic demonstrates 
that easier access for Indian Pharma companies in Japan will be a  win-win outcome for both 
countries. In the IT services market, the Keiretsu model of Japan makes it extremely difficult for 
Indian IT firms to approach customers directly, despite their competitive strength in the sector.  We 
request Japan to look into bo th these areas i.e. pharma and IT services and simplify the regulatory 
framework to make it consistent with international standard and norms. Despite being part of the 
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Mutual Recognition Agreements o n 
Accountancy and Nursing services, the access for Indian companies in the insurance sector in Japan 
and procedural visa related issues for Indian professionals remain a matter of concern for us. We 
hope Japan will comprehensively look into all these matte rs expeditiously.  
4.42.  Before I conclude, I wish to highlight the vast potential for further strengthening the trade 
and investment ties between both countries, given the natural affinities we share. We look forward 
to working closely with the authorities of Ja pan in further expanding our economic ties for mutual 
benefit and wish our Japanese friends a productive and successful Trade Policy Review.  
CHILE  
4.43.  La relación diplomática entre Chile y Japón data del año 1897, siendo para Chile la más 
antigua con un país d e Asia. A lo largo de estos más de 120 años, ambos países hemos ido 
construyendo vínculos sólidos en los ámbitos político, multilateral, de cooperación y económico -
comercial. Podemos, por lo tanto, decir con satisfacción que los lazos bilaterales se han co nsolidado 
al más alto nivel a lo largo del tiempo.  
4.44.  Japón es un actor muy relevante para Chile. Nuestra relación bilateral se desarrolla mediante 
consultas políticas regulares, un fluido intercambio comercial, inversiones y cooperación en materias 
como sal ud, defensa, minería, astronomía, ciencia y tecnología, y, algo muy importante para ambos 
países, en prevención y manejo de desastres naturales.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.45.  Además, Chile y Japón comparten la convicción de que la apertura económica y la libertad de 
comercio son un mot or de prosperidad y de desarrollo sostenible. En la OMC, ambos países 
concuerdan en la gran importancia de contar con un sistema multilateral abierto, transparente y 
basado en normas. Asimismo, apoyan activamente las negociaciones en curso, así como el tra bajo 
regular de los diversos comités, y sus visiones convergen en distintas áreas de trabajo, como 
facilitación de inversiones para el desarrollo, comercio electrónico y servicios. Chile celebra el 
liderazgo de Japón a la cabeza de la iniciativa conjunta s obre comercio electrónico, junto a Australia 
y Singapur.  
4.46.  Chile y Japón otorgan también gran importancia a la integración regional, lo que se refleja en 
los numerosos acuerdos comerciales suscritos por ellos.  
4.47.  En el ámbito comercial, la relación bilateral h a sido fundamentalmente impulsada a través del 
Acuerdo de Asociación Económica Estratégica suscrito por ambos países, el primero firmado por 
Japón con un país de América del Sur y que entró en vigencia el 3 de septiembre de 2007.  
4.48.  A 12 años de la entrada en vigor de este tratado, Japón es el cuarto socio comercial de Chile, 
con un intercambio comercial de 8.803 millones de dólares en 2019.  
4.49.  Chile se ha perfilado como un importante proveedor de alimentos seguros y de calidad a 
Japón. Somos líderes en  suministrar a este exigente mercado productos como vinos, salmones, 
truchas, carne y frutas varias. Asimismo, son relevantes nuestros envíos de cobre, molibdeno, 
madera y litio, entre otros.  
4.50.  Japón es el principal inversionista asiático en Chile, ya no sól o en materias primas y minería, 
sino también en áreas como energías renovables, desalinización de aguas, acuicultura y servicios. 
El stock de inversión japonesa en Chile al 2018 ascendió a 7.273 millones de dólares.  
4.51.  Con respecto a los informes presentados,  observamos que Japón continúa siendo una 
economía orientada al exterior, abierta, competitiva y promotora de la inversión. Apreciamos, 
asimismo, los esfuerzos de Tokio por revitalizar su economía a través de reformas estructurales. 
Nos complace que la ado pción de estas políticas haya contribuido a que Japón haya logrado su 
expansión económica más prolongada de los últimos 75 años.  
4.52.  Sin perjuicio de lo anterior, no podemos dejar de mencionar las medidas que Japón continúa 
aplicando en materia agrícola, que s e traducen en un nivel bastante elevado de protección y ayuda 
a los productores, para una importante cantidad de productos. Observamos también oportunidades 
de mejora en materia de medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias y de notificaciones relacionadas con la  
ayuda interna.  
4.53.  Estamos convencidos de que una mayor liberalización en agricultura aportaría a la 
competitividad y serían los propios consumidores japoneses los principales beneficiados.  
4.54.  En materia de subsidios a la pesca, cabe destacar los avances observa dos en las notificaciones 
de Japón. Si bien consideramos positivo su compromiso con la transparencia en esta materia, vemos 
una oportunidad de mejora en el monto de los subsidios que actualmente Japón entrega en este 
sector, especialmente en el contexto de  las negociaciones que deberán tener un resultado en 
diciembre.  
4.55.  Para concluir, quisiéramos reiterar nuestro interés de seguir trabajando con Japón, lo vemos 
como socio cercano en las diversas instancias de nuestra Organización y también en forma bilateral , 
y desear mucho éxito a este Miembro importante en esta decimocuarta revisión de su política 
comercial en esta Casa.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.56.  Japan is a vital strategic partner to the United States, and a key nation in world trade. We 
are also the world 's first and third largest economies, together accounting for about 30% of global 
gross domestic product.   WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.57.  Within the WTO and other multilateral fora, the United States highly values its close working 
relationship with the Government of Japan, and its coop eration on many topics of mutual concern. 
Our work on the WTO e -commerce initiative has been very productive, and we look forward to 
continuing to work together in developing a consolidated negotiating text that sets high -standard 
global rules. Japan and t he United States are also working together with the European Union across 
a number of areas, including to promote new, much -needed WTO rules on industrial subsidies that 
directly address non -market oriented practices by certain WTO Members.  
4.58.  Bilaterally, t he United States and Japan negotiated the initial stage of the U.S. -Japan Trade 
Agreement and U.S. -Japan Digital Trade Agreement during 2019. These two Agreements represent 
a major step towards achieving a more mutually beneficial and balanced U.S. -Japan t rade and 
economic relationship and send a positive signal of what is to come.  
4.59.  The U.S. -Japan Digital Trade Agreement, for example, sets a new global gold standard on 
digital trade rules. It is the highest -standard digital agreement ever negotiated and cem ents the 
reputation of the U.S. and Japan as top destinations for digital investment. Both Agreements also 
created positive momentum towards further negotiations, as agreed by our Leaders last September, 
for a broader trade agreement between our nations.  
4.60.  Although Japan 's industrial tariffs are generally low, significant non -tariff barriers remain. As 
a result, the United States continues to look to Japan to take new, bold steps to increase 
transparency, reduce unnecessary regulation, abide by international  standards, and remove other 
non-tariff barriers to trade. Concretely, such concerns are manifest in the continuing lack of adequate 
access to Japan 's automotive market for U.S. exports due to an array of non -tariff barriers.  
4.61.  Another priority for the Unite d States is agriculture. In spite of the tariff reductions recently 
negotiated in the USJTA, certain market access barriers still remain. For example, and as the 
Secretariat Report observes, imports of certain key agricultural products are carried out by s tate 
trading enterprises, such as with Japan 's highly regulated and nontransparent importation and 
distribution system for rice and dairy products, which distorts both consumption and imports.  
4.62.  Prime Minister Abe has highlighted a number of areas for reform , including ones relating to 
digital privacy and medical care. The United States recognizes the importance of ensuring consumer 
protection, as well as the long -term sustainability of the government 's social programs. At the same 
time, we urge caution by en suring that any reforms do not have a disproportionate impact on any 
one country 's companies, or repeatedly disadvantage foreign firms in an attempt to shield domestic 
interests from the consequences of these polices.  
4.63.  Notwithstanding the particular concer ns we have raised, the United States acknowledges and 
welcomes efforts and concrete measures by Japan to facilitate further market opening through 
domestic reforms and through further bilateral negotiations. The United States looks forward to 
continued clo se partnership with the Government of Japan in working towards our shared goals.  
BRAZIL  
4.64.  First of all, I would like to express our solidarity with the Japanese victims of this unfortunate 
pandemic. As we all know, the COVID -19 outbreak is taking a heavy tol l on human life and impacting 
negatively the social and economic spheres of all countries.  
4.65.  Within the international effort to overcome this crisis, Brazil commends the cooperation in the 
G20, in which Brazil and Japan both participate, to combat the effect s of the pandemic on global 
trade and to build resilience in global supply chains and strengthen international investment.  
4.66.  The actions endorsed by G20 Governments shall alleviate the impact of COVID -19 in the short 
term, and also support the necessary refo rm of the WTO.  
4.67.  I would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Japanese Government and the 
WTO Secretariat for their reports, as well as to the discussant, Ambassador Dagfinn Sorli, for his 
insightful observations.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.68.  Japan continues to play a ce ntral role in the world economy, and it continues to be a force for 
strengthening the multilateral trading system.  
4.69.  We note that macroeconomic policy in Japan has achieved some good results. Between 2012 
and 2018, nominal GDP grew by more than 13%. Between 2012 and 2019, the unemployment rate 
fell from 4.3% to 2.4%, and the number of employed persons reached a historical record.  
4.70.  Such results, however, have not come without costs. We note, for example, the rise in public 
debt to a very high rate − around 237%  of GDP.  
4.71.  In the field of trade policy, Brazil commends Japan for the bold initiatives it has been taking 
in a context of rising uncertainty in the world economy. Japan has increased its network of economic 
partnership and other trade agreements with severa l WTO Members. As a result of these initiatives, 
one could expect that foreign trade will gain still greater importance in Japan's economy.  
4.72.  The bond of friendship with Japan is one of the most traditional and cherished aspects in 
Brazil's foreign relations . Brazilian development and indeed our bilateral relationship have historically 
benefited from cooperation and economic complementarity. In 2019, bilateral trade increased almost 
10 percent in relation to the previous year, totaling USD 9.5 billion. Japan is our sixth largest trading 
partner.  
4.73.  Moreover, the human bonds are a unique element of this relationship: the largest contingent 
of the Japanese diaspora − over 2 million nikkeis − resides in Brazil. The Brazilian community in 
Japan, in turn, numbers over  200,000 individuals.  
4.74.  This has been translating into frequent bilateral contacts at the highest governmental levels. 
As Brazil seeks to deepen its domestic economic reforms, we expect a renewed cycle of investment 
and trade in our relationship with Japan in the coming years. In this context, Brazil has approached 
Japan with a view to enabling the early launch of preliminary studies for a possible trade agreement 
between Mercosur and Japan.  
4.75.  Turning to some specific issues concerning Japan's trade poli cy, subsidies and protection 
provided to agriculture remain significantly high when compared to other OECD countries, in a 
manner that is particularly detrimental to the interests of exporters such as Brazil.  
4.76.  Moreover, we continue to face SPS measures that result in high compliance costs for 
exporters, due to stringent restrictive requirements, often more rigorous than international 
standards. Sometimes, Brazil witnesses what seems to be unjustifiable delays, even after all 
technical requiremen ts have been complied with.  
4.77.  By way of example, Brazilian exports of thermally processed beef to Japan continue to face 
restrictions, even though those products were freely admitted before 2012. With respect to imports 
of melon, in 2016, Brazil presented a workplan that would enable access of the Brazilian product to 
Japans market. Several technical inquiries from the Japanese Ministry of Health were responded in 
2017. To this day, Brazil has not received a reply from the Japanese authorities on the proposed  
plan. 
4.78.  Brazil and Japan also have significant complementarities in the energy sector. We understand 
that Japan could expand the share of renewable energies in its energy mix. Brazil is an exporter of 
biomass pellets made from sugarcane for use in thermoele ctric plants. The importation of such 
products into Japan, however, has been frustrated by technical barriers.  
4.79.  Brazil thanks Japan for the written replies to our questions, which address issues such as SPS, 
domestic support in agriculture, tariff -rate quot a administration, renewable energy and 
telecommunications services. They were forwarded to our capital for examination and follow -up. 
4.80.  In conclusion, Brazil wishes Japan a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.81.  Japan and the EU are like -minde d global partners and maintain a close dialogue and 
cooperation at multilateral and bilateral level. In the increasingly polarized geopolitical context, 
Japan and the EU 's strategic partnership can contribute to preserving and defending effective 
multilate ralism.  
4.82.  For EU and Japan, the multilateral, rule -based trading system has always been the most 
effective means to manage and expand trade relations between countries. The EU is determined to 
achieve, through appropriate reforms and together with the whole WTO Membership, the restoration 
of properly functioning dispute settlement in the WTO. In the meantime, the EU and currently 
21 other WTO Members are in the Multi -party interim appeal arbitration arrangement ( 'MPIA'). This 
purely stopgap arrangement is ope n to all WTO Members while the WTO Appellate Body remains 
unable to function fully. We warmly invite Japan to join. Not only would this help preserve Japan 's 
dispute settlement rights in the WTO; it would also signal a shared commitment to the rules -based 
system and help to pave the way for the re -establishment of a fully functioning, two -tier, 
independent and binding dispute settlement mechanism in the WTO.  
4.83.  Moreover, our cooperation with Japan and other like -minded partners, with the shared 
objective of d eveloping new rules to fill the gaps in the WTO 's rulebook, is also very important to 
ensure a global level playing field and tackle practices that lead to severe overcapacity, create unfair 
competitive conditions and undermine international trade.  
4.84.  As a hi ghly developed economy and major global trader and investor, Japan is an important 
economic partner for the EU. Two landmark agreements between the EU and Japan were signed in 
2018: the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) and the Economic Partnership Agr eement (EPA).  
4.85.  The EU -Japan Economic Partnership Agreement is one of the most comprehensive trade 
agreements ever concluded with considerable liberalization efforts by both sides. At a moment of 
crisis in international trade the EU -Japan EPA strikes as a s ymbol of the importance of cooperation, 
common rules and predictability for the development of economic relations.  
4.86.  During the first year of the EPA implementation there have been some initial implementation 
difficulties, but the EU and Japan efficiently c ooperated and eventually found positive solutions and 
the overall trade between two economies is so far on positive trend. Let us hope that the new 
economic partnership will facilitate a rapid resumption of that upward trend once the COVID -19 crisis 
is fully under control.  
4.87.  The EU welcomes the international cooperation through the "Data Free Flow with Trust" 
initiative, and entering in a mutual adequacy arrangement with the EU as regards data protection.  
4.88.  The EU is also cognizant of Japan's contribution to the implementation of the Paris Agreement. 
At the same time, we closely watch the current efforts deployed to reconcile the domestic challenges 
of de-carbonization efforts with the overall level of ambition.  
4.89.  The EU in its questions has raised several issu es, inter alia  on SPS measures, government 
procurement, agriculture and services and we thank for the replies. On SPS, while we welcome 
Japan's constructive approach regarding the establishment of a positive list for food contact 
materials, we would apprec iate concrete progress on market access applications for agricultural 
commodities as well as work on regionalization.  
4.90.  Last but not least, the EU expects that FTAs concluded by Japan with other WTO Members 
comply with its WTO commitments, in particular wit h the requirement to cover "substantially all 
trade". 
4.91.  I wish Japan a very successful review.  
CHINA  
4.92.  Recalling the early days of the COVID -19 outbreak in China, both the Japanese Government 
and its people were among the first to raise money and send medical supplies to help us in the fight WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  against the virus. What touches us deeply is their words of encouragement: 山川异域 ，风雨同天 , 
meaning "although hills and rills set us apart, the moon and wind share our kind heart", a quote 
from the poem written by Japanese Prince Nagaya in Mandarin 1,300 years ago for China 's eminent 
monk Jian Zhen. Today, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Japan for its kind 
support.  
4.93.  China and Japan share not only the cultural connections, but also a common un derstanding 
on the multilateral trading system. Back in college, I often practiced calligraphy with the Japanese 
students. And after joining the trade ministry, I also benefited a lot from the technical assistance 
programs organized by JICA.  
4.94.  The interests of our two countries in trade are highly interlinked with a strong connection in 
the global supply chain. The close collaboration between the two has helped transform Asia to a 
global production hub, contributing significantly to regional growth and prospe rity. China has been 
Japan's largest trading partner in the past 12 years and the bilateral trade each year is more than 
USD 300 billion. Japan is also the one and only country with FDI in China of over USD 100 billion.  
4.95.  There is no doubt that the growth of  the two economies benefits a lot from the open and 
stable global supply chain. And the pandemic we face today does expose to some extent the 
vulnerability of the existing supply chain. We need improvement. However, arbitrary modification of 
the supply cha in by providing enormous amount of subsidies is not only costly, but also contradicting 
basic economic logics. Not to mention its volatility and fragmentation as well as growing 
antiglobalization sentiments, which will inevitably stall the global economy r ecovery. In this regard, 
we would like to encourage Members, including Japan, to act cautiously.  
4.96.  China commends Japan 's efforts in safeguarding and strengthening the multilateral trading 
system, including its leadership in e -commerce negotiations and acti ve engagement in initiatives 
like Investment Facilitation for Development.  
4.97.  Having said that, I would also like to raise some concerns regarding Japan 's trade policies.  
4.98.  First, Japan 's restrictions on foreign investment in ICT sectors, including additional approval 
requirement on the ground of national security, and blunt discrimination against certain companies 
by excluding them from participating in Japan 's 5G spectrum allocation and government 
procurement.  
4.99.  Second, Japan 's continued practice of export restrictions. The inclusion of Chinese companies 
and research institutions in its End User List subject to export control has damaged the trade ties 
between two countries and raise questions of Japan 's compliance with the WTO rules.  
4.100.   We would like t o urge Japan to remove the above -mentioned restrictions.  
4.101.   Third, Japan 's high -level of protection in its agriculture sectors. The average tariff rate for 
agricultural products remains high and the TRQ fill rates for certain products are still low. 
Considera ble domestic supports could distort global food trade. We hope Japan could continue to 
pursue market -oriented reform on its agricultural policy.  
4.102.   No single economy can expect to be immune from the international public crisis in the time 
of globalization. Un ilateralism and protectionism cannot save itself from the crisis, but rather help 
fuel it. We look forward to continued cooperation with Japan to advance the necessary WTO reform 
towards the right direction, by jointly resisting unilateralism and protectio nism. Otherwise, what we 
might lose could be more than a cherry -blossom season.  
ARGENTINA  
4.103.   La Argentina desea resaltar el prolongado crecimiento económico que Japón ha venido 
experimentando en los últimos años. Este crecimiento estuvo acompañado de medidas de corte 
monetario y fiscal, como así también de iniciativas para fomentar el empleo y la participación laboral 
de la mujer, dos temas de gran importancia para mi país. En lo que respecta al empleo, es 
encomiable que la tasa de desempleo haya bajado hasta situarse en torno al 2,4%, que representa WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  menos de la mitad del promedio de los países de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo 
Económicos (OCDE),  
4.104.   Japón es un socio cercano y estimado de la República Argentina. Con Japón compartimos 
valores básicos como el mantenimiento de la paz y la solución pacífica de las controversias, la 
promoción y protección de los derechos humanos, multilateralismo y el compromiso con el desarrollo 
sostenible.  
4.105.   Las relaciones bilaterales entre nues tros países son de larga data. Este año se cumplen 
122 años del establecimiento de relaciones diplomáticas − y 134 del arribo del primer inmigrante 
japonés a nuestro país. Con Japón trabajamos, además, intensamente como integrantes de la troika 
de países d el G20.  
4.106.   En lo que atañe a la dimensión económico -comercial bilateral, hemos firmado el "Convenio 
para la Eliminación de la Doble Imposición con respecto a los Impuestos sobre la Renta y la 
Prevención de la Evasión y Elusión Fiscal" y su Protocolo de 2019,  luego de la firma del Tratado 
Bilateral de Promoción y Protección de Inversiones en 2018. Este Tratado ya fue ratificado por Japón 
y se encuentra en trámite de aprobación legislativa en la Argentina.  
4.107.   En materia agrícola se celebró en 2019 la 2da Reunión d el Comité Conjunto para la 
cooperación en materia agrícola, ganadera, pesquera, forestal y agroindustrial, Comité que fuera 
establecido en 2017  
4.108.   En lo que concierne a las Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias (MSF), celebramos que éstas 
estén en general basad as en las normas internacionales pertinentes, o bien en evaluaciones 
científicas de riesgo. Hemos observado, no obstante, que Japón establece algunas normas sobre 
aditivos alimentarios y límites máximos de residuos (LMR) que difieren de las normas y los LM R del 
Codex.  
4.109.   República Argentina está firmemente comprometida con el avance de las negociaciones 
sobre Subvenciones a la Pesca que tienen lugar en esta casa. Por este motivo, vemos con buenos 
ojos la adhesión de Japón al Acuerdo sobre Medidas del Estado Re ctor del Puerto Destinadas a 
Prevenir, Desalentar y Eliminar la Pesca Ilegal, No Declarada y No Reglamentada (INDNR). Ello 
supone la aplicación de medidas como la restricción de las escalas portuarias de los buques 
pesqueros que figuran en la lista de emba rcaciones de pesca INDNR de las organizaciones regionales 
de ordenación de la pesca 4 y la prohibición de desembarcar capturas de pesca INDNR.  
4.110.   En el plano de la cooperación técnica, destacamos, además, que se encuentra en plena 
ejecución el proyecto "Kaise n Tango" para el desarrollo del "management" empresario argentino, 
dirigido a 1000 empresarios y 100 empresas en 5 años, previéndose su ulterior extensión bajo el 
formato de cooperación triangular. Se inició, también, el proyecto "Un Pueblo -Un Producto (OV OP)" 
para el desarrollo de las economías regionales en nuestro país.  
4.111.   En el marco de este Examen de política comercial, la Argentina presentó a Japón una serie 
de preguntas. Agradecemos de antemano las respuestas, las cuales serán debidamente analizadas 
por nuestras autoridades en Buenos Aires.  
4.112.   Finalizando, y al tiempo de reiterar nuestro reconocimiento por esta oportunidad de 
intercambiar opiniones y consideraciones sobre las políticas comerciales de Japón, no quisiéramos 
dejar de resaltar, una vez más, la importancia de este ejercicio de transparencia en todos sus 
aspectos, y desear a las autoridades japonesas, la exitosa conclusión de este ejercicio.  
NORWAY  
4.113.   Norway would like to join others in welcoming the delegation from Japan to this review of 
Japan 's trade policy and for their flexibility to conduct the review in the virtual hybrid mode. We also 
thank the Secretariat and Japan for their reports.  
4.114.   Japan is a very close partner for Norway, both bilaterally and in the WTO. Norway commends 
Japan 's staunch de fense of the multilateral trading system. We appreciate the role Japan continues WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  to play to move the multilateral trading system forward, as well as your unwavering commitment to 
battle protectionism and managed trade.  
4.115.   This is more important today than ev er before. The COVID -19 pandemic has put our global 
trading system under pressure and uncovered vulnerabilities. Addressing those vulnerabilities is no 
excuse for protectionism and trade wars. Instead, we must defend rules -based open trade and 
internationa l cooperation.  
4.116.   Norway and Japan have a close and broad bilateral economic and trade relationship. Our 
two countries have shared interest in several sectors including fisheries and oceans, energy and 
materials, and marine and maritime industries.  
4.117.   We would  like to commend Japan, for its constructive and dedicated collaboration, together 
with 13 other Members, in the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. We are both 
committed to bold transformations towards a sustainable ocean economy where envir onmental 
protection and conservation, and economic production and prosperity go hand in hand.  
4.118.   We would like to thank Japan for its leading role as one of three co -conveners in the 
e-commerce negotiations under the Joint Statement Initiative. Norway fully supports these 
negotiations. The global opportunities and challenges brought by digital trade can only be 
meaningfully addressed through negotiations in WTO.  
4.119.   Japan is also an important participant in the ongoing fisheries subsidies negotiations in the 
WTO. To prohibit certain forms of subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing is the 
most important part of the mandate. These negotiations must lead to real reductions in global 
fisheries subsidies. Norway expects major subsidizers and big fish ing nations to make the biggest 
reductions in their fisheries subsidies. We encourage Japan to indicate how it will contribute 
accordingly.  
4.120.   Norway firmly believes that trade and environmental policies can and must be mutually 
supportive. Our work in the WT O has always taken this as the basis. Norway is pleased to see the 
inclusion of a comprehensive chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development in the Japan -EU 
Agreement, and we encourage Japan to integrate strong provisions on trade and sustainable 
developme nt in future trade agreements, as well as when updating existing ones.  
4.121.   Overall, we appreciate Japan 's increased focus on bilateral and regional trade and the 
expressed view that regional agreements should act as building blocks and inspiration for further  
multilateral rule -making.  
4.122.   Norwegian seafood, in particular salmon, mackerel and trout, is an important part of 
Japanese food culture. The role of Japanese companies in the marine value chain for Norwegian 
seafood is increasing. This underlines our common interest in an open and transparent market with 
predictable rules for trade in fish and seafood, including trade in whale products.  
4.123.   Norway has like Japan broad maritime interests. Maritime transport is the backbone and 
major facilitator for world trade, as more than 80% of world trade is transported by vessels. 
Unrestricted and competitive international maritime transport services contribute to economic 
growth, investment, value creation and jobs. However, the open market situation for maritime 
transport is not reflected as commitments in most schedules of the members in WTO. We all know 
that commitments contribute to transparency, stability and predictability to the benefit of maritime 
transport users, the suppliers and ultimately the economies as a whole.  
4.124.   We appreciate the efforts and results achieved by Japan, as a major trading and maritime 
nation, in including commitments on maritime transport in international and bilateral agreements. 
Eventually these efforts by Japan and other members could pa ve the way for enhanced commitments 
for maritime transport in the WTO.  
4.125.   In closing, I would like to say that Norway is looking forward to continuing the close 
cooperation on trade related issues, including on how to strengthen and modernize the WTO.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  UNITE D KINGDOM  
4.126.   The Secretariat report noted Japan 's economic recovery during the review period, alongside 
the increase of private consumption and business investment. The COVID -19 pandemic has 
provoked a global economic crisis. While Japan is one of the least affected countries in terms of 
cases and loss of life, no economy has been spared from the effects of the global contraction. We 
note that Japan has taken recent steps to stimulate its economy and has implemented a number of 
measures to facilitate th e movement of goods during the pandemic. We welcome this commitment 
to keeping global value chains open.  
4.127.   Japan is the UK 's 11th largest trading partner. Our total bilateral trade in goods and services 
was £30.3bn in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2020.   
4.128.   We enjoy extensive trade and diplomatic collaboration, particularly within the WTO where 
we were both founding members. The UK was also pleased to join the plurilateral Joint Statement 
Initiative discussion on e -commerce, of which Japan is a co -convener and looks forward to engaging 
with fellow members in this forum.  
4.129.   The UK Government is committed to strengthening this partnership by delivering a mutually 
beneficial, ambitious bilateral agreement. Both the UK and Japan have committed to an ambitious 
timeline to reach a deal for the end of the Transition Period.  
4.130.   The United Kingdom 's connection to Japan runs deeper than trade. The multiple programmes 
and organizations between our two islands, which facilitate the exchange of cultural, historical, and 
scientific information is testament to this.  
4.131.   The United Kingdom had greatly looked forward to welcoming His Majesty Emperor Naruhito 
and Her Majesty Empress Masako for their first state visit of the Reiwa era this past spring. While 
this visit has, unfortunate ly, had to be postponed because of the pandemic, when it is rescheduled, 
we are confident it will be a symbol of the strengthening bond between our two nations.  
4.132.   In closing, allow me to extend our warmest wishes for a successful Trade Policy Review.  
UKRAINE  
4.133.   We commend Japan for its positive economic performance represented by constant GDP 
growth (averaging 1.1% over 2016 -18), increasing private consumption and business investment, 
continued improvements in the employment and income situation, high corporate profits. Due to 
this TPR, we would like to know how the COVID -19 pandemic has affected the latest economic and 
trade indicators and policy of Japan. The Ukrainian delegation notes the importance of international 
trade in Japan's economy, its degree of open ness, and level of integration into the world economy 
and global value chains. In this regard, we believe that Japan will keep its market open and 
predictable, despite the pandemic.  
4.134.   The Government of Ukraine also acknowledges efforts of the Government of Japan in 
implementation of trade -related structural reforms resulted in a maintaining position of Japan as the 
world's third largest and one of the most competitive economies.  
4.135.   We highly value the active engagement of Japan in bringing progress in developm ent and 
modernization of this system, as well as new ideas and approaches, offered to advance the trade 
negotiations under the WTO, including Japan's contributions and leadership on trade -related aspects 
of e-commerce.  
4.136.   Ukraine highly appreciates the cooper ation with Japan across the WTO bodies, and also its 
great support and systemic approach at the bilateral level of our economic and trade relations.  
4.137.   Japan is a very important partner of Ukraine and one of the largest investors.  
4.138.   Trade indicators continue to  show positive dynamic of our bilateral trade cooperation. The 
trade turnover between Ukraine and Japan reached a peak of USD 1.2 billion in 2019 and increased 
by 28.1% since 2017. Over the mentioned period, exports rose by 14.7% (amounted to WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  USD 259.8  million) and imports by 32.2% (amounted to USD 975.4 million). Moreover, while the 
merchandise trade deficit is increasing, the services trade deficit continued to decrease, from 
USD 13.2 million in 2016 to USD -2.8 million in 2019.  
4.139.   In 2019, Japan 's investme nt to Ukraine amounted to USD 144.9 million.  
4.140.   For both trade and investment flows, Ukraine believes that the potential for further 
expansion remains substantial.  
4.141.   Within this TPR, Ukraine has submitted a number of specific questions on a range of the 
following topics: implementation of reform on the tax treatment of virtual currencies; customs 
advance rulings; protection of customs information; Japan's tariff policy; activity of the Nippon 
Export and Investment Insurance; a price survey scheme and the lates t pricing reform in this field; 
regulations on banking and other financial services; domestic policy measures aimed at creating a 
society in which everyone plays an active role and feels secure.  
4.142.   While expressing gratitude for the given responses, Ukraine i s looking forward to developing 
further partnership and enhanced trade with Japan and wishes the delegation of Japan a successful 
TPR. 
MÉXICO  
4.143.   A pesar de las adversidades que el comercio internacional y la economía global han 
enfrentado en los últimos años,  Japón mantuvo una economía diversificada y su posición como el 
cuarto mayor exportador e importador de bienes y servicios a nivel global.  
4.144.   Además, según el Informe de competitividad global del Foro Económico Mundial de 2018, 
Japón fue la quinta nación más competitiva del mundo. Lo anterior sugiere que las políticas 
económicas implementadas por Japón en los últimos años se encuentran en buena dirección.  
4.145.   Además, durante el periodo de examen, Japón continuó con su proceso de apertura 
comercial internacional descartando la celebración del Tratado Integral y Progresista de Asociación 
Transpacífico, del que México también es parte. Este acuerdo comercial cubre  un mercado de casi 
500 millones de personas y elimina los aranceles de aproximadamente 95% de los bienes 
comercializados.  
4.146.   En la labor de la OMC, Japón es un Miembro activo además de haber asumido posiciones de 
liderazgo en diversas negociaciones. En la décima primera conferencia Ministerial, Japón suscribió 
diversas declaraciones conjuntas, en particular la de comercio electrónico, por lo que agradecemos 
su liderazgo, el cual junto con Australia y Singapur ha impulsado esta negociaci ón, la cual a la fecha 
cuenta ya con 84 participantes.  
4.147.   Respecto a los temas de negociación sobre subvenciones a la pesca, Japón ha presentado 
diversas propuestas que buscan abordar los principales pilares de negociación. Notamos que ha 
adoptado medidas con tra la pesca ilegal no declarada y no reglamentada. Sin embargo, se ha 
retirado de algunos compromisos para regular la pesca de especies específicas. El tema de pesca 
"IUU" es de gran urgencia y relevancia. Debemos coordinar esfuerzos en las negociaciones actuales 
para combatir esta práctica.  
4.148.   En materia de solución de diferencias de la OMC, Japón se coloca entre uno de los principales 
usuarios del sistema y siempre se ha caracterizado por su activa participación en las discusiones 
sistémicas. Es de destacar  que fue uno de los Miembros que presentó una propuesta durante el 
proceso en el marco del Consejo General para resolver el impasse del Órgano de Apelación. Sin 
embargo, notamos que Japón no se ha unido a la propuesta conjunta patrocinada por 121 Miembros 
para iniciar los procesos de las vacantes en dicho Órgano. Por lo que le invitamos a unirse siendo 
este un tema de importancia sistémica y de urgencia para nuestra Organización.  
4.149.   En cuanto a la agricultura, las preocupaciones respecto al nivel de protección  elevado por 
Japón, expresadas por México y otros Miembros en el examen anterior, siguen siendo válidas. La 
estructura arancelaria de Japón mantiene elementos que la hacen compleja, y notamos que los 
componentes no ad -valorem fueron principalmente responsa bles del aumento del nivel de protección WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  durante el periodo de examen. Asimismo, el arancel promedio para productos agropecuarios sigue 
siendo cinco veces mayor que lo aplicado para productos industriales. La ayuda interna al sector 
agrícola, a pesar de al gunas modificaciones en sus programas, se mantiene en niveles elevados. Y, 
según estimaciones, es 2.5 veces superior al promedio de la OECD. Todo esto a pesar de que el 
sector representa tan solo 1,2% del PIB.  
4.150.   Si bien reconocemos los esfuerzos de Japón en materia de transparencia, nos preocupa el 
importante retraso que mantiene en las notificaciones. Por todo lo anterior, exhortamos a Japón a 
mejorar su cumplimiento con las obligaciones de notificación en materia de ayuda interna y a 
continuar sus esfuerzos  para abrir ese sector.  
4.151.   Uno de los principales retos a largo plazo de Japón concierne la demografía. Según algunas 
estimaciones, Japón es una de las naciones en el mundo con la edad promedio de su población más 
elevada y una de las tasas de natalidad más b ajas del mundo.  
4.152.   Confiamos en que Japón sabrá hacer frente a este desafío y que mantendrá la tendencia de 
su crecimiento económico y apertura comercial en el futuro como lo ha hecho hasta ahora.  
4.153.   Para finalizar, agradecemos a Japón las respuestas proporcio nadas a las preguntas 
formuladas por mi delegación y le deseamos el mejor de los éxitos en el presente examen.  
COLOMBIA  
4.154.   Durante el periodo del examen, el Japón continuó con una expansión económica ejemplar, 
que se constituyó en el periodo más prolongado de  crecimiento desde el fin de la Segunda Guerra 
Mundial. Este país mantiene su posición como la tercera mayor economía del mundo y la quinta más 
competitiva.  
4.155.   En esta oportunidad quisiera aprovechar para referirme al destacado papel del Japón en la 
OMC, pue s es un país que contribuye continuamente con el sistema multilateral a través de una 
activa participación en los diferentes procesos que se adelantan en la Organización. Tuvo un papel 
clave en la negociación del Acuerdo de Tecnologías de la Información (A TI) y también es uno de los 
líderes del actual proceso de ampliación (ATI II). Impulsa la conformación del Acuerdo de Bienes 
Ambientales (ABA), fue uno de los primeros países en ratificar el Acuerdo de Facilitación del Comercio 
(AFC), el Protocolo de Refor ma del ADPIC, y también de la versión revisada del Acuerdo de 
Contratación Pública (ACP).  
4.156.   Quisiera adicionalmente destacar un par de aspectos de su participación en la OMC. El 
primero es su alto nivel de consolidación en el acceso de bienes y servicios, pu es en materia 
arancelaria tiene una consolidación del 98,1% del universo de productos y en Servicios tiene 
compromisos en 10 de los 12 Sectores en sus Listas del AGCS. De todas formas, es importante 
señalar que el Informe continúa resaltando la complejidad  de su estructura arancelaria que mantiene 
272 tipos arancelarios.  
4.157.   El otro aspecto para destacar es la amplia implementación del Sistema General de 
Preferencias (SGP), pues Japón mantiene preferencias para 128 economías en desarrollo y cinco 
territorios ( incluyendo todos los PMA) que abarcan el 98% de las líneas arancelarias de los productos 
originarios de esos países.  
4.158.   Sin embargo, este compromiso profundo con el sistema internacional de comercio no se 
aplica en todos los sectores por igual y el tema agrí cola continúa siendo el más sensible. El informe 
señala que, la notificación más reciente presentada por Japón en materia de ayuda interna es del 
año 2016. Por ello, deseamos aprovechar el presente examen de política para hacer un llamado a 
que Japón actua lice esta información tanto como sea posible.  
4.159.   Debo resaltar que el nivel de protección en el sector agrícola se mantiene como la principal 
objeción sobre el nivel de apertura de la economía japonesa. La ayuda interna como porcentaje del 
PIB más que duplic a el promedio OCDE, y en menos de la cuarta parte de productos está exento de 
aranceles mientras que otros presentan aranceles del 499,7%. Japón puede aún avanzar para 
generar mayor apertura y dinamizar el comercio internacional, con beneficios para muchos  países 
en desarrollo.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.160.   Finalizo esta sección, celebrando el importante papel que Japón tiene en los diferentes 
procesos formales e informales que se adelantan en la Organización, particularmente, en las 
Iniciativas de Declaración Conjuntas (JSI) sobre Come rcio Electrónico, Regulación Doméstica, y 
Facilitación de Inversiones para el Desarrollo, así como en la Negociación sobre Subsidios a la Pesca. 
Alentamos al Japón para que continúe participando constructivamente para alcanzar resultados 
positivos en los p lazos previstos.  
4.161.   Colombia presentó más de 20 preguntas a Japón en el marco del presente examen. La 
información solicitada cubre áreas como la reforma aduanera, el régimen de inversión, normas y 
otras prescripciones técnicas, innovación, y solución de dife rencias, entre otras. También incluimos 
algunas preguntas transversales, para profundizar el Informe, especialmente en lo relacionado con 
el comercio electrónico y la propiedad intelectual. Agradecemos de antemano las respuestas a 
nuestras inquietudes.  
4.162.   Quisiera finalizar mi intervención resaltando, una vez más, la importancia de la economía 
japonesa para el comercio mundial, y, sobre todo, su papel crucial en la región asiática. Es por esto 
que Colombia continúa haciendo esfuerzos para lograr un mejor rela cionamiento comercial con Japón 
y esperamos se den las condiciones para concluir la negociación que adelantamos en busca de un 
acuerdo comercial entre los dos países. Le deseamos a Japón el mayor de los éxitos en su Examen 
de política comercial y animamos al Embajador Yamazaki y a su Misión a continuar su rol activo al 
interior de la OMC en pro de un mejor funcionamiento del sistema multilateral de comercio.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.163.   We are pleased to see that the Ja panese Government has continued, since its last Review, 
to pursue policies specifically aimed at trade -related structural and regulatory reform, at maintaining 
a free -floating exchange -rate regime, and at improving the business environment. This has surely  
contributed to Japan 's keeping its place as the third largest economy in the world and being rated 
the sixth most competitive economy in the latest World Economic Forum Report.  
4.164.   For many of us, Japan sets a good example by its continuing efforts to establish free and 
fair high -level trade rules internationally. We applaud Japan 's continued active participation in the 
WTO. In particular, we appreciate the contributions it makes to the WTO 's new initiatives, such as 
its co -convening of the e -commerce j oint statement initiative. We stand ready to collaborate further 
with Japan on ways of developing free and fair digital trade.  
4.165.   We have been pleased to collaborate with Japan on fishery subsidies, working closely 
together on identifying proper disciplines t o prohibit subsidies that contribute to overfishing and 
overcapacity, as well as other forms of harmful subsidies in the context of fishery management.  
4.166.   We have also been pleased to collaborate with Japan on WTO reform and supporting stronger 
rules against  industrial subsidy that causes market -distortion. We will continue to work with Japan 
to improve the transparency and predictability of Members ' trade policies, as well as on various 
approaches to strengthening the deliberative function of WTO bodies.  
4.167.   I would like to commend the great team of the Japanese Mission in Geneva, led by 
Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki, on the significant work they deliver to the WTO here. We very 
much value the cooperation between us.  
4.168.   Bilaterally, we have long enjoyed a deep and fr uitful partnership with Japan in most areas 
of trade and the economy. For example, we are Japan's fourth  largest trading partner overall, and 
its fourth  biggest export market. Japan is our third largest trading partner overall, our second  largest 
import ma rket and our fourth biggest export destination. It is today our biggest source of foreign 
investment, and historically our fourth biggest on a cumulative basis. Other important areas of 
cooperation range from industry to renewable energy, customs, taxation , SMEs and IPRs, to food, 
the environment, culture, etc., all of which contribute to a solid foundation for our close and mutually 
beneficial relationship.  
4.169.   We would like to thank Japan for having provided detailed answers to the questions we had 
submitted in advance. In the future, we look forward to having useful discussions on subjects such 
as the Foreign Direct Investment policies involving national security, the need for further clarification WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  on SPS issues relating to agricultural products, and the pros pects for more participation by foreign 
businesses in energy and in certain services sectors in Japan.  
4.170.   With the current global outbreak of coronavirus and the difficulties with the WTO Reform, 
we should continue working closely with responsible and committ ed Members such as Japan 
bilaterally, plurilaterally and multilaterally. In the lead up to the MC12.  
4.171.   Finally, we wish Japan a successful 14th Trade Policy Review.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.172.   We all appreciate Japan 's long -standing and constructive contribution to the multilateral 
trading system. Japan has remained a tenacious supporter of our intricate and carefully balanced 
rule book which has done so much to foster prosperity worldwide. We very much value the Japanese 
delegation 's positive participation in the reform  process, notably as a member of the Ottawa group. 
Likewise, Japan 's availability to further develop trade liberalization in new and creative ways is 
greatly appreciated. We would like to underline the key role played by Japan as co -convener of the 
negotia tions on e -commerce. We also very much value Japan 's contributions to the work of the G10.  
4.173.   Since the last review, Japan has continued to implement structural improvements, not least 
in the labour market to boost productivity in a rapidly ageing society. In  many ways, these reforms 
and some stimulus measures have paid off. At one point, economic growth was above potential. In 
line with this, there was a modest, albeit fickle, uptick in inflation.  
4.174.   Not surprisingly, the global outbreak of COVID -19 has thrown a spanner in the works, like 
in many countries. We all struggle to assess correctly the current state of health of our economies. 
It is however fair to say that the adverse influence of the virus on economic activity poses a particular 
challenge for Japan.  Economic support measures undertaken by the Government are costly. Even 
before the crisis, Japan was grappling with the difficult issue of fiscal consolidation. Its national debt 
remains the highest in the world and is now likely to rise even more.  
4.175.   Perha ps the crisis provides the Japanese economy with an opportunity to strengthen its level 
of digitization. More digitization would certainly help improve productivity.   
4.176.   Luckily, Japan 's external position provides a comfortable cushion. Reliance on funding f rom 
abroad is limited. Its reliable current account surplus allows the steady export of capital.  
4.177.   Notwithstanding the country 's ever -increasing network of preferential trade agreements, the 
handling of foreign goods at the border could in some ways be made more efficient. As has been 
pointed out by the Secretariat 's report, the structure of Japan 's MFN applied tariff, for example, 
remains complex. Moreover, the World Bank 's 2019 Doing Business report ranks Japan in the 56th 
place out of 190 economies fo r ease of trading across borders. Though not a particularly bad ranking, 
it could be better given Japan 's importance as a trading nation and high -income country.  
4.178.   The bilateral trade relations between Switzerland and Japan have continued to grow, not 
least on account of our preferential trade agreement of 2009. Switzerland is also an important 
foreign direct investor in Japan.  
4.179.   Food safety is a legitimate concern to us all. Nevertheless, we note that Japanese authorities 
do not always recognize internationa l standards in the agrifood sector. And we sometimes encounter 
other problems related to technical barriers to trade, such as the recognition of certificates of 
conformity, equal treatment of certain electrical appliances and the like.  
4.180.   We have submitted a string of questions in writing. They had to do with a diverse range of 
topics such as competition policy, the role of Japanese SMEs in the global economy and others. We 
thank Japan for the timely responses and wish the delegation of Japan a successful cont inuation of 
this Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.181.   Let me begin by taking note of Japan 's efforts for the multilateral trading system. Japan has 
been complying with its notification duties in a diligent manner. As one of the co -conveners of the 
Joint Statement Initiative on E -commerce, Japan has shown leadership in our collective efforts to 
enhance the WTO 's relevance to the rapid changes in the trade environment. The current COVID -19 
crisis has once again highlighted the importance of the digital ec onomy , and Korea has high hope 
for the successful outcome of ongoing e -commerce negotiations. Furthermore, Japan has been an 
active participant of fisheries subsidies negotiations and has made a joint proposal with Korea, EU 
and Chinese Taipei. We expect t hat all these efforts will contribute to strengthening the WTO and 
the multilateral trading system.  
4.182.   Secondly, Korea recognizes Japan 's active pursuit of multiple FTAs. Japan has 17 FTAs 
currently in force and has continued to demonstrate its will for furt her trade liberalization by 
participating in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations. As a 
participating member, Korea looks forward to working with Japan to conclude the agreement.  
4.183.   As for bilateral relations, Korea and Japan ha ve maintained a close trade relationship. As of 
2019, Korea was Japan 's third largest trading partner and vice versa, despite 10% decrease of trade 
volume at USD 76 billion. When it comes to investment in 2018, Japan was the 9th largest foreign 
investor in  Korea, with Korea being the 10th largest foreign investor in Japan. In terms of volume, 
Korea 's share of Japan 's inbound investment was around 20% in the same year.  
4.184.   However, since July last year, Japan removed Korea from its whitelist of nations entitled to 
general bulk licence and started to apply more stringent licensing requirements and procedures to 
the export of three items when destined to Korea, which were carried out without any prior notice. 
Japan has argued that its measures resulted from the sus pension of policy dialogue between the two 
countries, and Korea 's allegedly weak catch -all control of conventional weapons and shortage of 
personnel and organization for export control. This unilateral measure by Japan has brought 
uncertainties in bilatera l trade and caused Korean companies to suffer significant damage.  
4.185.   Afterwards, on 22 November 2019, both the Korean and Japanese Governments agreed to 
resume Director -General -level policy dialogue in order to contribute to resolving the export control 
issue. Korea temporarily suspended the WTO dispute settlement procedures on Japan 's measures 
related to the three items to Korea while the policy dialogue was underway.  
4.186.   Since then, the Korean Government has engaged faithfully in the dialogue with Japan 's 
Minist ry of Economy, Trade and Industry and provided sufficient explanations as to how our export 
control is operated in an effective and regular manner.  
4.187.   At the same time, the Korean Government made its utmost efforts to contribute to its prompt 
resolution by amending its Foreign Trade Act and reinforcing its export control organization and 
manpower. As a result, Korea believes that all the reasons suggested by Japan for its measures are 
no longer valid.  
4.188.   Yet, Japan has not shown its willingness to  resolve the issues and neither did the relevant 
discussions make progress. Therefore, the Korean Government has reached the conclusion that it is 
difficult to see this situation progressing through normal dialogue and thus resumed the WTO dispute 
settleme nt procedures in June this year.  
4.189.   The Korean Government is of the view that export -restrictive measures by Japan should be 
abolished. In this regard, we urge the Japanese Government to take its step forward in response to 
the efforts made by the Korean Gove rnment thus far.  
4.190.   Korea takes note of the efforts Japan has made since its previous TPR to make the trade 
environment more efficient. We are confident that Japan will demonstrate such efforts in its follow -up 
to this TPR as well.  
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  CANADA  
4.191.   The world is a very different place today than it was on March 18th, when this review was 
originally scheduled. We have been pleased to cooperate with Japan in the wake of the outbreak of 
COVID -19 to advocate against protectionism, to discourage impediments to flows of m edical 
supplies, agricultural products, and other essential goods and services; and to ensure an inclusive 
and sustainable economic recovery. History suggests that the appeal of protectionism rises at times 
crisis. It also teaches us that its pursuit by po licymakers compounds economic hardship and worsens 
international relations. As the world 's third largest economy and a key contributor to the international 
trading system, we encourage Japan to continue to support the vital work of this Organization, which  
is more important than ever.  
4.192.   As our fourth largest trading partner and our largest source of investment from Asia, Japan 
is an important trade and economic partner for Canada. Our bilateral commercial relations are 
extensive and multilayered. They are ro oted in our shared commitments to effective, open, inclusive, 
and rules -based trade. These commitments are strengthened by our respective Prime Ministers ' 
desire to develop a strategic bilateral partnership under a shared vision of a free and open 
Indo-Pacific region. Our Government considers there to be enormous potential to enhance this 
strategic economic partnership and to work together to advance this vision.  
4.193.   Canada welcomes Japan 's commitment to the WTO and to rules -based free trade. In this 
regard, w e recognize Japan 's strong efforts to ensure its goods transparency commitments to 
WTO Members are fulfilled. By doing so, Japan is supporting the WTO 's monitoring function and the 
ability of other Members to understand the policy actions taken by Japan. W e also acknowledge and 
appreciate Japan 's support for efforts to update the rules that underpin the multilateral trading 
system and address the challenges that are putting the system under stress. In this regard, we have 
been pleased to partner with Japan in the Ottawa Group to advance WTO reform and to cooperate 
on other initiatives, such as the Joint Statement Initiatives and the Buenos Aires Declaration on 
trade and women 's economic empowerment, and the Statement on Highlighting the Importance of 
MSMEs i n the Time of COVID -19 on May 14. In particular, we greatly appreciate Japan 's strong 
leadership as one of the co -conveners of the WTO JSI on E -Commerce and its efforts to facilitate 
continued progress on this important initiative.  
4.194.   Canada also welcomed Jap an's prioritization of the WTO and WTO Reform throughout its 
successful G20 Presidency in 2019. We look forward to continuing to work together on a range of 
WTO initiatives in the lead up to MC12 and agree with Japan that it is important for the Membership  
to deliver results that demonstrate both our ability to make meaningful progress and the continued 
relevance of the WTO. We invite Japan to consider joining the Multi -Party Interim Appeal -Arbitration 
Arrangement established on 30 April. The MPIA seeks to safeguard our rights to binding, two -stage 
dispute settlement in disputes amongst participating members.  
4.195.   We further commend Japan for its leadership on the Comprehensive and Progressive 
Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Canada, Japan and our  CPTPP partners marked 
the Agreement 's first anniversary on December 30, 2019. Canada looks forward to continuing to 
work with Japan to promote and maximize the benefits of the Agreement, including through the 
accession of new members.  
4.196.   Through the CPTPP, we are pleased to work with Japan to address key challenges and 
barriers of doing business in the global marketplace that disproportionately affect SMEs, and to 
ensure that SMEs have access to the information they need to explore and navigate CPTPP markets . 
The CPTPP 's ambitious and high -standard commitments will also be important to supporting trade 
and economic recovery in the context of COVID -19. 
4.197.   Turning to specific measures and areas of trade policy, in the last review, we expressed 
concerns with Japane se policies in the areas of agriculture, forestry, and government procurement. 
Our concerns in these areas persist.   
4.198.   With respect to agriculture, we welcome the reforms that have been spurred by Japan 's 
participation in Regional Trade Agreements, includin g the CPTPP. Canada encourages Japan to 
continue its efforts toward liberalizing trade and to improve market access for agricultural products. 
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  producers would cont ribute to Japan 's objective of improving the competitiveness of this sector. We 
note that predictable trade and Canadian agriculture products support Japan 's food security.  
4.199.   As a major exporter of forest products, Canada takes note of Japan 's program that 
exclusively supports the use of wood graded to Japan Agricultural Standards and promotes domestic 
wood in non -residential buildings and public construction projects. We have also noted Japan 's Forest 
Environment Tax scheme, as well as the recently announce d Emergency Measures to Use Excess 
Stockpiles of Wood. We continue to monitor these measures closely and look forward to seeing them 
implemented in such a way as to facilitate trade and conform to the WTO 's cornerstone principles of 
non-discrimination and fair competition.  
4.200.   On government procurement, we have noted that foreign participation in Japan remains very 
low, in part due to "non-regulatory barriers " according to the Secretariat 's report. We again urge 
Japan to revise its proced ures and practices, in line with its commitments as a GPA Party, to allow 
for more transparency and competition in its procurement tenders at all levels of government.  
4.201.   Canada is also closely following the measures that Japan has recently introduced to inc rease 
scrutiny of foreign direct investment and to incentivize firms to reshore production or shift it to South 
East Asia. We will follow the implementation of these measures closely to ensure they do not unduly 
hamper trade and investment flows.  
4.202.   Beyond t hese areas, we look forward to the recently concluded trade agreements between 
Japan and the United States being submitted to the committee on Regional Trade Agreements so 
that the Membership is afforded an opportunity to consider the systemic implications  of these 
Agreements, including their conformity with the relevant provisions of GATT Article XXIV.  
4.203.   To conclude, Canada and Japan both share a deep commitment to this Organization 
specifically, and to rules -based trade generally. We appreciate Japan 's con tribution to the 
international trading system and look forward to working with Japan to advance the interests we 
share in this system.  
PHILIPPINES  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN  
4.204.   Japan is a key trade and investment partner for ASEAN. Trade between ASEAN and Japan 
reach ed USD 229.2 billion in 2018, accounting for 8.2% of ASEAN 's total merchandise trade, and 
placing Japan as ASEAN 's fourth largest trading partner. Japan was also ASEAN 's second largest 
external source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2018 with FDI flo ws from Japan to ASEAN 
amounting to USD 21.2 billion, accounting for 13.7% of total FDI flows to ASEAN.  
4.205.   ASEAN and Japan established the ASEAN -Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership 
(AJCEP) in 2008, and it has served as the foundation for the strengthenin g of our trade and 
investment ties. ASEAN and Japan completed the negotiation on the AJCEP Trade in Services, 
Movement of Natural Persons (MNP), and Investment chapters in 2016. The First Protocol to Amend 
the AJCEP Agreement to incorporate the Chapters on  Trade in Services, Investment Chapter, and 
Movement of Natural Persons was signed in the first quarter of 2019. With Japan having notified 
ASEAN Member States on 15 June 2020 of the completion of its legal procedures, ASEAN is pleased 
to note that this Fi rst Protocol will enter into force on 1 August 2020.  
4.206.   ASEAN looks forward to continued cooperation with Japan to advance the implementation of 
the ASEAN -Japan 10 -year Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap in various areas, including trade 
facilitation, In tellectual Property Rights (IPR), micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), 
infrastructure, energy and technology innovation.  
4.207.   ASEAN also appreciates Japan 's cooperation in realizing the goal of full conclusion and 
signing of the Regional Comprehensive E conomic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement in 2020 to create 
a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial free trade agreement.  
4.208.   In the context of the COVID -19's widespread impact, ASEAN highly appreciates Japan 's 
cooperation towards mitigating t he negative impacts of the pandemic as reflected in the "ASEAN – 
Japan Economic Ministers ' Joint Statement on Initiatives on Economic Resilience in Response to the WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  COVID -19 Outbreak " and hopes that this Joint Statement will be translated into a concrete an d 
meaningful Action Plan soon.  
4.209.   ASEAN recognizes the important contributions by Japan in strengthening the World Trade 
Organization (WTO), including on the subject of WTO reform, and as co -convener of the Joint 
Statement Initiative on E -commerce. Together w ith Japan, ASEAN reaffirms our strong commitment 
to uphold an open, inclusive, transparent, non -discriminatory and rules -based multilateral trading 
system as embodied in the WTO.   
4.210.   Some ASEAN Member States have submitted written questions to Japan. We woul d like to 
express our appreciation in advance to Japan and look forward to having its written responses.  
4.211.   Finally, we would like to conclude our remarks by expressing our appreciation for Japan 's 
continued support for ASEAN, and to the delegation of Japan for their hard work at the WTO. Our 
appreciation also goes to H.E. Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki, the Permanent Representative of 
Japan to the WTO. We wish Japan every success for its 14th Trade Policy Review.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.212.   The Philippines and Japan hav e a longstanding bilateral relation. While our historical ties 
date back to the late 16th century, it was only in 1956 when official diplomatic relations between us 
were established. For 64 years, we have engaged in mutual cooperation that spans different areas, 
from economic interactions to people to people exchanges, continuously working on developing 
stronger links between the Philippines and Japan.  
4.213.   In 2006, the Philippines and Japan signed the Philippines -Japan Economic Partnership 
Agreement (PJEPA), wh ich entered into force in December 2008. This has notably increased the 
trade between the Philippines and Japan and has continued to contribute to strengthening the 
economic relations between our two economies.  
4.214.   Japan is one of the most important economic p artners of the Philippines. It is the fourth  
largest foreign investment partner of the Philippines and its secon d largest trading partner with total 
bilateral trade valued at USD 21.25 Billion in 2019. It is the Philippines ' second major export market 
and second biggest import supplier. It is also the Philippines largest aid provider for many years.  
4.215.   Japan remains as the third largest economy in the world given its highly developed, 
high-income and market -oriented economy. In its Government report, Japan hi ghlighted its 
commitment to trade liberalization under the multilateral trading system centered on the WTO. While 
committed to the multilateral trading negotiations, Japan also pursued the conclusion of several 
Economic Partnership Agreements and trade agr eements. These agreements complement the 
multilateral trading system under the WTO and serve as building blocks to achieve higher trade 
liberalization at the multilateral level.  
4.216.   Strengthening and maintaining the multilateral trading system has been a main pillar of 
Japan 's trade policy. The Philippines recognizes the active participation of Japan in bringing progress 
in the multilateral trading system by exploring new ideas and approaches including up -to-date issues 
to revitalize and reinforce the negotiati on function of the WTO, such as on electronic commerce, 
investment facilitation, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In particular, we 
acknowledge the significant contribution of Japan in advancing the work in the Joint Statement 
Initiative o n Electronic Commerce, and the ¨Osaka Track¨, which seeks to achieve a high standard 
agreement on trade -related aspects of e -commerce. The Philippines looks forward to continue 
working with Japan on these initiatives to promote the relevance and highlight the important role of 
the WTO in adapting to the changing business realities and economic conditions.  
4.217.   Furthermore, as one of ASEAN 's major dialogue partners, the Philippines appreciates our 
continued cooperation with Japan in expanding trade and investment engagements in the region 
through the ASEAN -Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive 
Economic Partnership Agreement, which we hope to conclude this year.  
4.218.   The Philippines submitted some advance written questions on the TPR reports, and we thank 
the delegation of Japan in advance for their replies.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.219.   In closing, the Philippines looks forward to further enhancing the mutually beneficial 
economic relations with Japan in the bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora.  
INDONESIA  
4.220.   Indonesia associates itself with ASEAN Statement that was delivered by the Philippines.  
4.221.   Since the last review, we have noted that Japan remains the third largest economy in the 
world with advanced technology, SMEs' contribution, financial -related p olicies, increased 
employment, and women's participation in the economy.  
4.222.   Japan is a key trading partner for Indonesia. Economic and trade cooperation between both 
countries, both bilaterally and regionally, have been framed within the Indonesia -Japan Econo mic 
Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) since 2008, the ASEAN -Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership 
Agreement, and the current General Review IJEPA as well as the Regional Economic Partnership 
Agreement (RCEP). These arrangements should have clearly indicated  that the economic ties 
between both countries is indeed of paramount importance.  
4.223.   I wish to draw your attention to bilateral trade between Indonesia and Japan. For the period 
2015 to 2019, our bilateral trade trend was reported positive 2.86%. In term of total trade, it was 
accounted about USD 31.7 billion in 2019 with a decrease by 20.35% compared to the previous year 
of 2018 amounted USD 37.4 billion. Furthermore, we note that the trend of trade balance from 
Indonesia 's side was recorded a significant de cline of 42.8%. Against this backdrop, Indonesia 
believes that enhanced trade cooperation between two economies should bring positive impact to 
our bilateral trade and the mutual economic growth of Indonesia and Japan.  
4.224.   We should also highlight that this ef fort has been underway, and we believe that the 
upcoming conclusion of Protocol Amendment on General Review IJEPA shall boost closer Indonesia -
Japan trade relations. We are convinced that the result from the review will further strengthen 
Indonesia -Japan t rade cooperation and consecutively, will be positively contribute to the opening of 
market access for goods and services, flow of capitals, and movement of people.  
4.225.   Indonesia has submitted written questions on several issues related to Japan 's trade polici es 
and measures with an expectation to further comprehend those policies. Among others are raise to 
consumption tax rate up to 10% on 1 October 2019; penalties upon a failure in obtaining required 
import/export licensing, as well as new principle on cargo reporting; several SPS –related measures, 
such as required scientific evidence for the imposition of MRLs distinct from those enacted in Codex; 
and subsidy policy upon clean energy vehicles purchasing, particularly for industries that benefitted 
by the subs idy.  
4.226.   In this context, Indonesia hopes that those measures undertaken by Japan would not 
constitute unnecessary barriers to trade and in compliance with Japan 's obligation under the WTO 
Agreements, as well as in line with our mutual commitment to enhance t rade cooperation.  
4.227.   Finally, to conclude our remarks, Indonesia wishes the Japanese delegation a successful 
outcome of this Trade Policy Review and stay healthy during this challenging time.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.228.   We would like to congratulate Tokyo for carryin g out an effective trade and investment policy 
that allowed Japan to maintain its position as the world's third largest and fifth most competitive 
economy. We hope that the country 's economy demonstrates resilience to withstand the shocks 
related to the CO VID-19 pandemic.  
4.229.   Russia notes with appreciation the efforts of Japan on promoting cooperation within the 
multilateral trading system, especially on the WTO reform track and several plurilateral initiatives, 
including on e -commerce. Our countries do not alw ays take the same stance on specific negotiation 
issues, but we highly value Tokyo 's constructive approach aimed at refining the WTO and the global 
trade agenda.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.230.   Despite the uncertainties in international climate, the Russian Federation and Japan have 
been developing constructive bilateral economic cooperation in many areas. Japan remains one of 
our largest trading partners. During the review period, our trade turnover showed an upward trend, 
amounting to over USD 20 billion in 2019.  
4.231.   Russia has submitted w ritten questions on a number of issues, including on recent economic 
developments, measures directly affecting production and trade, agriculture and fisheries, 
competition policy and others. We thank the Government of Japan for the comprehensive answers.  
4.232.   In conclusion, we would like to thank you, Mr. Chairman, the delegation of Japan, the 
Secretariat and the Discussant, for impressive work done so far and wish Japan a successful Trade 
Policy Review.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.233.   New Zealand is fortunate to have a strong, lon g-standing and broadly -based economic 
relationship with Japan. As New Zealand 's fourth largest trading partner, our fourth largest source 
of foreign investment and a key market for a number of New Zealand 's export goods, notably food 
and beverage products,  Japan remains a significant and highly valued economic partner.  
4.234.   Japan and New Zealand share a deep commitment to peace, the rule of law, democracy, 
human rights, and the importance of the global rules -based system.  
4.235.   Since Japan 's last Trade Policy Review , New Zealand has welcomed the entry into force of 
Comprehensive and Progressive Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) – New Zealand 's first free trade 
agreement with Japan. The successful implementation of CPTPP will bring both New Zealand and 
Japan deep econ omic benefits. We also congratulate Japan on continuing its ambitious series of 
economic reforms, which have enabled Japan to enjoy an unprecedented period of economic 
expansion.  
4.236.   New Zealand has raised questions concerning Japan 's agricultural policy and w e encourage 
Japan to intensify its efforts on agricultural reform. Population decline in rural areas, the increasing 
average age of farmers, and continued high subsidization of agricultural sectors all paint a worrying 
picture for the future of Japanese ag riculture.   
4.237.   The challenge is to create an environment where the agricultural industry can apply the 
same ingenuity and efficiency that Japan 's industrial and manufacturing sectors have become so 
renowned for. Japan 's success in other industries demonstrat es that exposing agriculture to market 
mechanisms and global competition can spur competitiveness and innovation. This would reduce the 
fiscal burden of agricultural support, raise incomes in rural areas, and turn agriculture into a 
competitive growth sect or than can contribute to the wider economy and compete on the global 
stage. We remain interested in the reforms Japan plans to undertake in order to reduce trade -
distorting forms of agricultural support.  
4.238.   New Zealand has a long record of engagement with Ja pan in primary industries.  As Japan 's 
agriculture sector embarks on a period a change, New Zealand has sought to deepen its 
collaboration. Our Prime Ministers first committed to a Partnership in Food and Agriculture in 2014, 
making New Zealand a strong pa rtner supporting Japan 's food system by sharing technical 
knowledge and export systems. This partnership has been consistently reaffirmed by subsequent 
Prime Ministers.  
4.239.   New Zealand commends Japan for demonstrating commitment to the Buenos Aires 
Ministerial  Statement on fisheries subsidies and for its constructive engagement in fisheries subsidies 
negotiations. We urge Japan to ensure its fisheries subsidies do not contribute to illegal, unreported 
and unregulated fishing or overfishing and overcapacity and look forward to working with Japan on 
a comprehensive outcome.  
4.240.   New Zealand also commends Japan for its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 
the largest global source of which is the burning of fossil fuels. We encourage Japan to rationalize 
any inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption in line with UN Sustainable 
Development Goal 12.C.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.241.   Despite the many challenges that Japan has faced in recent times, we are encouraged by 
Japan 's perseverance and commitment to economic liberalization and revival. We further welcome 
the contribution Japan has made to the multilateral trading system to date and look forward to it 
continuing to play a leading role in global trade.  
MALAYSIA  
4.242.   Malaysia associates itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by the Philippines.  
4.243.   Malaysia would like to commend Japan for stepping up its efforts to contain the spread of 
the COVID -19 pandemic. We take note that Japan supported the concept of Access to COVID -19 
Tools Accelerator (ACT), toge ther with Malaysia, for enhanced global collaboration and equitable 
access to new COVID -19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. The COVID -19 situation in Japan 
has also been stabilizing, with the nationwide state of emergency lifted on 25 May 2020. The global 
community are going through this crisis together and striving to achieve economic recovery while 
maintaining public health and safety.  
4.244.   We commend Japan Government 's efforts to continue pursuing its economic revival policy, 
or known as "Abenomics", w hich prioritizes policy coordination to meet the challenges facing the 
Japanese economy. We note that the "Abenomics " has improved Japan 's current economy into a 
non-deflationary status and both nominal and real GDP have reached their highest level.  
4.245.   For the period January -November 2019, total trade between Malaysia and Japan decreased 
by 4.4% to USD 28.32 billion in the corresponding period of 2018. While there are significant 
decreased in the total exports from Malaysia to Japan by 6.7% to USD 14.48 billi on and imports by 
1.9% to USD 13.85 billion respectively, Japan remains as Malaysia 's fourth  largest global trading 
partner, fifth largest export destination and fourth largest source of imports.  
4.246.   Japan also continues to be Malaysia 's top source of foreign direct investments (FDIs) since 
1980. As of 2018, Japan remained as Malaysia 's 2nd largest overall source of FDI with an FDI stock 
worth USD 18.24 billion. In June 2019, a total of 2,676 manufacturing projects with participation 
from Japan were implemented  with total investment of USD 26.6 billion.  
4.247.   Japan 's commitments in pursuing the conclusion of Economic Partnership Agreements 
(EPAs), both bilateral and regional, and plurilateral trade agreements are also commendable. 
Malaysia and Japan enjoy strong and highly complementary economic relationship through various 
bilateral and regional initiatives such as the Malaysia -Japan Economic Partnership Agreement 
(MJEPA), the ASEAN -Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEP) and the 
Regional Comprehen sive Economic Partnership (RCEP).   
4.248.   At the multilateral front, we appreciate Japan 's active participation and contribution in 
supporting the development of new issues. Japan is a co -convener of the Joint Statement Initiative 
on Electronic Commerce together  with Australia and Singapore and also had co -sponsored the three 
Joint Statement Initiatives namely, the Joint Statement on Investment Facilitation for Development, 
the Joint Statement on MSMEs and the Joint Statement on Services Domestic Regulation issue d at 
Eleventh WTO Ministerial Conference (MC11). Japan also supported the Buenos Aires Joint 
Declaration on Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment. Malaysia also notes that Japan has 
actively supported Least Developed Countries (LDC) accessions through tec hnical assistance to 
accession applicants to build their trade capacity.  
4.249.   To conclude, we thank Japan 's response to our questions, and we shall study the responses 
with great interest. We wish the Japanese delegation a productive and successful TPR.  
AUSTRA LIA 
4.250.   At the outset, I would like to express sympathies to all those impacted by COVID -19 and, 
on the occasion of Japan 's 14th Trade Policy Review, would especially like to signal our support to 
our Japanese friends. Japan has been at the forefront of effort s to coordinate a global response to 
the pandemic, including through joint statements to protect global trade here at the WTO, in the 
G20, APEC and other fora.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.251.   Australia and Japan have a strong and enduring trade and investment relationship, 
underpinned by  complementary strengths and people -to-people links. Japan is Australia 's second 
largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade standing at over USD 64 billion. And Australia is 
Japan 's largest supplier of primary energy and key minerals, while Japan's goods ' exports to 
Australia are dominated by motor vehicles.  
4.252.   Tourism, transport and education dominate two -way trade in services. As a major source of 
investment, Japan has contributed strongly to Australia 's economic growth. In 2019, Japan was 
Australia's third largest source of FDI and fourth largest overall source of investment, with stocks of 
around USD 168 billion.  
4.253.   The Japan -Australia EPA, which entered into force in 2015, further enhanced our bilateral 
trade relationship. We look forward to th e market access review for agricultural products, mandated 
under that Agreement for this year, and the general review, mandated for 2021. These provide an 
important opportunity to upgrade this Agreement, including through greater globalization of 
services.  
4.254.   In 2018, we welcomed the conclusion of the CPTPP, which further deepened trade 
liberalization in Japan and across the Asia Pacific region. We particularly appreciated Japan 's 
leadership of those negotiations.  
4.255.   Australia commends Japan 's ongoing efforts to revitalize its economy, as well as Prime 
Minister Abe 's "Abenomics " Agenda. We encourage Japan to continue implementing structural 
reforms, including in agriculture to address high tariffs and complex administrative arrangements.  
4.256.   We note that Japan mainta ins high levels of trade -distorting agricultural subsidies, and we 
are pleased to see these appear to be trending down. We encourage Japan to continue this reform 
and to engage constructively in WTO negotiations to reduce trade -distorting domestic support.  
4.257.   Australia and Japan collaborate closely to bolster the multilateral trading system. It is a 
privilege to work with Japan as a co -convener of the electronic commerce joint statement initiative, 
and we look forward to making substantive progress on e -commer ce negotiations in the lead -up to 
MC12.  
4.258.   We are also grateful for Japan 's support for the conclusion of negotiations on services 
domestic regulation and commend their leadership role, alongside the US and the EU, to strengthen 
WTO transparency and disciplin e industrial subsidies.  
4.259.   We note Japan 's positive record on notifications. We encourage Japan to improve its efforts 
to provide more recent notifications on agricultural domestic support.  
4.260.   Australia believes it is crucial that we conclude the fishery subsidi es negotiations as soon as 
possible. We hope Japan will also support a meaningful outcome to these important negotiations.  
4.261.   We were disappointed that Japan significantly increased its subsidy programmes in recent 
years and we call on Japan to contribute con structively to find solutions to meet our Ministers' goals.  
4.262.   Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the very effective Japanese Mission to the WTO here in 
Geneva, led by Ambassador Yamazaki. We appreciate their leadership on WTO reform and their 
unfailing  support to the multilateral trading system.  
4.263.   Australia posed Japan a large number of written questions, reflecting the breadth of our 
relationship. We thank Japan for its answers that we will review carefully.  
4.264.   Finally, I wish Japan a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.265.   At the outset, Singapore applauds Japan for its efforts in supporting this first "hybrid " TPR 
of the WTO. The monitoring function is a critical pillar of the WTO, and the conduct of this TPR is a WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  significant step in the gradual res umption of the Organization 's regular activities. Allow me to make 
three points.  
4.266.   First, Japan and Singapore share warm and strong bilateral economic ties. This is exemplified 
by the Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Singapore for a New -Age Econom ic Partnership 
Agreement (JSEPA), which entered into force in 2002. The JSEPA was Japan 's first ever economic 
partnership agreement, and it remains a key pillar in our bilateral economic relationship. In 2019, 
Japan was the 7th largest trading partner of Singapore with bilateral trade of S$50.5 billion. Bilateral 
investment flows have also continued to be strong. As of the end of 2018, Japan was Singapore 's 
3rd largest cumulative foreign investor, with investments amounting to S $114.9 billion, while 
Singapore was Japan 's top Asian investor. Singapore and Japan are also strong advocates and 
supporters of the rules -based multilateral trading system. In response to the economic disruptions 
caused by the ongoing pandemic, Singapore a nd Japan also issued a Joint Statement on 1 May 2020 
to deepen bilateral economic cooperation to strengthen economic resilience and secure supply chains 
for essential goods.  
4.267.   Second, Singapore welcomes Japan 's commitment to strengthening regional economic 
integration. Japan 's leadership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific 
Partnership (CPTPP) and active participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership 
(RCEP) have played an important role in fostering grea ter economic integration in the region. We 
look forward to the entry into force of the First Protocol to Amend the Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership Among Japan and ASEAN (AJCEP) on 1 August 2020, after Japan 's completion of its legal 
procedures on 15 Jun e 2020.  
4.268.   Third, Singapore and Japan are close partners in shaping economic initiatives in the WTO 
and other fora. Together with Australia, Japan and Singapore are leading the Joint Statement 
Initiative (JSI) on E -Commerce, and our delegations have been wor king closely together to maintain 
momentum in this track. We look forward to the development of a consolidated negotiating text by 
the end of 2020. Singapore and Japan have also worked closely to enhance transparency of 
agriculture export restrictions at t he WTO. We also support the Osaka Track and the "Data Free Flow 
with Trust " concept initiated by Japan under its G20 Presidency.   
4.269.   As we work together in upholding our shared commitment to the rules -based multilateral 
trading system, we encourage Japan to maintain its openness to foreign investments. In particular, 
Singapore notes Japan 's amendments to its Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. While we fully 
appreciate Japan 's intention to balance its national security interests with its interest in attra cting 
foreign investments, we hope that commercially -run entities with a credible and established track 
record in Japan will not be disadvantaged in accessing investment opportunities. We also encourage 
Japan to submit up -to-date notifications on domestic support in agriculture and government 
procurement.  
4.270.   In conclusion, Singapore looks forward to strengthening bilateral economic engagement as 
well as deepening regional and global collaboration, particularly at the WTO. The Singapore 
delegation also takes th is opportunity to commend the excellent work of Ambassador Yamazaki 
Kazuyuki and his team in Geneva. We wish Japan every success for this TPR.  
THAILAND  
4.271.   At the outset, Thailand associates itself with ASEAN statement delivered by the Philippines.  
4.272.   Thailand an d Japan have a strong foundation of mutual friendship and cooperation, 
underpinned by continued expansion of trade and investment. We are pleased to highlight that Japan 
is Thailand 's second largest trading partner in the world while Thailand is number one  trading partner 
for Japan in ASEAN. In 2019, total trade between the two countries stood at USD 58 billion, 
increasing by 7% since Japan 's last review in 2017.  
4.273.   On investment, Japan has been a major source of investment for Thailand over decades, 
which ha s strongly contributed to Thailand's economic growth. In 2019, Foreign direct investment 
flows from Japan amounted to USD 2.5 billion. Presently, more than 1,700 Japanese companies are 
registered at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok. Thailand hop es that our bilateral 
trade and investment will continue to grow to further strengthen economic relations.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.274.   Thailand congratulates Japan on its overall positive economic performance since 2017. We 
welcome Japan 's efforts in promoting its economic growth and  encourage Japan to continue 
implementing trade -related structural reforms needed to improve the functioning of its economy.  
4.275.   Thailand highly commends Japan for its firm commitment in strengthening the rules -based 
multilateral trading system. Over the revie w period, Japan has actively contributed to several 
initiatives including the Joint Statement Initiative on E -Commerce and the proposal on enhancing 
transparency and strengthening notification requirements. Japan 's commitment extends to its 
compliance with  WTO notification obligations where we note its strong record of notifications to the 
WTO. In addition, excellent chairmanship of Japan in the Dispute Settlement Body, the General 
Council and other committees represent the leadership and achievement of Jap an in the WTO.  
4.276.   In this review, Thailand submitted a set of questions, covering the policies and measures of 
our interests. We take the opportunity to thank Japan for its timely responses.   
4.277.   Let me conclude by expressing our appreciation to the Japanese del egation for the 
cooperation in every level. We wish Japan a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
GUATEMALA  
4.278.   En el marco de este examen, reconocemos la sólida labor de investigación por parte de la 
Secretaría de la OMC, reflejada en el informe que hoy discut imos. Su contenido nos proporciona una 
visión integral acerca de la situación macroeconómica y la evolución de las políticas comerciales 
implementadas por Japón en los últimos dos años. Aprovechamos también para extender nuestro 
más sincero agradecimiento al Embajador Dagfinn Sorli, Embajador de Noruega ante la OMC, por la 
presentación y el análisis tan objetivo y pormenorizado que amablemente ha compartido con 
nosotros el día de hoy, en su calidad de ponente.  
4.279.   Las relaciones diplomáticas entre Guatemala y Japón iniciaron en 1935 y desde entonces, 
se han caracterizado por estrechos lazos de amistad y cooperación en las diferentes áreas de su 
política exterior. En la década de 1970, nuestros países suscribieron ac uerdos para fortalecer la 
cooperación técnica y financiera y desde entonces, Japón se ha constituido en uno de los principales 
cooperantes en Guatemala. De igual forma, el Gobierno de Japón apoyó en la década de 1990, la 
Firma de los Acuerdos de Paz en Gua temala e intensificó su apoyo, para contribuir con el desarrollo 
económico y el fortalecimiento de la democracia en nuestro país.  
4.280.   En términos de intercambios comerciales, Japón es un importante socio comercial de 
Guatemala. Los principales productos expor tados por Guatemala a Japón son café, banano, semillas 
de ajonjolí y níquel. En sentido inverso, los principales productos importados del Japón son vehículos 
y material de transporte, máquinas y aparatos mecánicos para usos electrónicos, hierro y acero.  
4.281.   En relación con el Informe de Políticas Comerciales que hoy nos concierne, observamos que 
las autoridades japonesas han tomado acciones importantes para apoyar el crecimiento económico 
mediante la implementación de medidas para impulsar el consumo privado, modificaciones fiscales 
para mejorar las finanzas públicas del país e impulsar la competitividad el fomento del empleo y la 
participación laboral de la mujer. Dentro de las mejoras implementadas en el período estudiado, es 
importante resaltar las diversas estrategias para fortalecer la atracción de inversión extranjera 
directa (IED). Otro aspecto por destacar es el trabajo que desarrolla la Red Universitaria de 
Innovación y Transferencia de Tecnología, la cual promueve la formulación de alianzas entre 
asociaciones de investigación, el mundo académico y las empresas para lograr la concesión de 
licencias de tecnología. Convirtiéndose en un importante recurso para continuar el proceso de 
reactivación de su economía.   
4.282.   Reconocemos los esfuerzos y logros importan tes alcanzados por Japón durante el período 
estudiado. Agradecemos desde ya las respuestas a las preguntas planteadas por Guatemala en el 
marco de este examen.  
4.283.   Esperamos continuar fortaleciendo nuestros importantes vínculos comerciales y deseamos a 
la del egación que representa hoy a Japón, una exitosa conclusión de su examen de políticas 
comerciales.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  ICELAND  
4.284.   Japan and Iceland have a long history of shared values and Iceland regards Japan among 
one of its closest global partners. Japan is Iceland's largest export partner in Asia and the largest 
trading partner that we do not have a free trade agreement with. Japanese market has for long been 
one of the most important market for Icelandic seafood products.  
4.285.   Imports from Japan amounted to close to 2% of total imports, with main products including 
motor vehicles and electronic equipment. Iceland and Japan have also been working towards further 
strengthening the collaboration in the field of geothermal energy.  
4.286.   Despite the geographical distance, Iceland and Japan are like -minded partners enjoying 
excellent cooperation in various international fora and sharing commitments to promoting a rule -
based multilateral system.  
4.287.   Japan was one of 120 WTO Members and Observers that launched a Joint Declaration on 
Women and Econ omic Empowerment that aims at sharing best practices and working together here 
at the WTO to remove barriers for women 's economic empowerment and increase their participation 
in trade.  
4.288.   In this respect, Iceland thanks the Secretariat for the specific infor mation on Japan 's policies 
promoting women 's economic empowerment in its report. Japan has enforced labour force reforms, 
to promote women's participation in the work force through measures such as increased childcare 
capacity, increased childcare leave be nefits, training and education programmes, and more flexible 
working conditions.  
4.289.   The trade policy review provides an excellent opportunity to share best practices in this field. 
Iceland submitted advance written questions on the participation of women in the economy of Japan. 
The answers are very useful as we implement the joint declaration on trade and women 's economic 
empowerment and gather best practices.  
4.290.   Given the very unusual circumstances of this review and the current developments due to 
the COVID -19 pandemic, Iceland wishes the Japanese delegation good health and every success for 
the success for their Trade Policy Review.  
TURKEY  
4.291.   Japan remains the world 's third largest economy in GDP terms. As a major actor of the global 
trading system, the role Japan plays multilaterally is important.  
4.292.   Japan is also one of the world 's most diverse economies and the world 's fifth most 
competitive economy, with the services sector constituting its backbone. As was stated during 
Japan 's previous TPR meetings and indi cated in the Secretariat report, ageing population, high public 
debt, and persistent deflation continues to remain primary challenges in the way of continued 
growth.  
4.293.   Furthermore, during the report period the pace of the growth of the economy has been 
mode rate due also to external factors, such as the decline in the global demand for IT related goods 
and the slowdown in the world economy, especially in Asian countries, most important trade partners 
of Japan.  
4.294.   During the review period, we see that Japan imple mented several structural reforms 
pursuing to enhance the trade and investment in several areas, such as taxation, corporate 
governance, competition policy and labour market policies. In this perspective, we see that recent 
strategies and programmes such a s the 2018 White Paper on International Economy and Trade, the 
evolving Abenomics programme; the 2016 Japan Revitalization Strategy; the Future Investment 
Strategy; the New Economic Policy Package are good blueprints to continue those reforms.  
4.295.   Among these  plans, we especially see Japan 's Science and Technology Plan as an enriched 
guidance to achieve further innovation in science and technology.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.296.   We consider the new regional trade agreements of Japan, namely Comprehensive and 
Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU -Japan EPA, among primary 
drivers of Japan 's trade and economy.  
4.297.   When it comes to investments, Japan, as one of the largest investors in the world, is also 
one of the most attractive destinations for multinational compa nies, including Turkish companies. 
We note that there are still restrictions in some sectors including the telecommunications, 
broadcasting and radio sectors and prior notification and approval requirements are in place for 
certain investments on various g rounds.  
4.298.   Japan is among the key players in the WTO and displays a constructive and active role in 
further advancing and also preserving the rules based multilateral trading system. We find Japan 's 
efforts and leadership especially noteworthy in advancing work at the WTO on the Joint Statement 
Initiatives, like e -commerce. We value our cooperation with Japan especially in the services domestic 
regulation and investment facilitation initiatives.  
4.299.   On the bilateral front, located at the eastern and western ends of Asian continent, Turkey 
and Japan enjoy excellent relations. We signed the joint declaration of Strategic Partnership in 2013. 
Japan is also among priority countries within our regional "Asia Anew " initiative.  
4.300.   As of 2018, around 200 Japanese companies have been operating in Turkey. Recently, the 
Japanese foreign direct investment in Turkey, ranging from automotive, technology, machinery, 
energy sectors to logistics and infrastructure, amounte d to USD 2,2 billion. Japan and Turkey have 
a strong cooperation on several mega -projects in several sectors, including but not limited to finance, 
infrastructure, health, energy, tourism and education.  
4.301.   Our bilateral trade volume, at around USD 4.2 billion  in 2019 and Japan is Turkey 's fourth 
largest trading partner in the Asia -Pacific region. However, we see this level of trade still does not 
mirror our excellent political and economic relations and should be further developed towards mutual 
benefit and ba lanced trade.  
4.302.   In ensuring this and further deepening commercial and investment relations, we believe FTA 
negotiation between our countries, that began in 2014, will play a very significant role.  
4.303.   We believe that agriculture, constituting almost 40% of Turk ey's total exports to Japan can 
also play a pivotal role to this end. However, Japan, being a net importer in agricultural products 
and island country, implements various procedures in relation to the importation of agricultural and 
animal products which a lso affect Turkey 's agricultural exports. During the review period, 
importation procedures for some of the agricultural products such as lemon and grapefruit have 
been facilitated. We hope that our countries keep their engagement at bilateral level and rea ch 
similar positive outcomes for other products in the coming period.  
4.304.   Besides, we also commend Japan 's efforts and comprehensive approach in securing food 
safety in response to the nuclear accident in 2011. The recent reports and data submitted by the 
Japanese government and our studies have already demonstrated that Japanese food is safe and an 
effective control and monitoring system is in place. Concerning this issue, Turkey terminated the 
application of additional control measures in relation to the impo rtation of agricultural and food 
products originating in Japan as of the beginning of 2018.  
4.305.   With regard to Japan 's trade regime, Turkey submitted a series of questions covering a broad 
range of topics, and looks forward to Japan 's response to these questio ns. 
4.306.   Turkey will continue its close and fruitful dialogue with Japan in both bilateral and multilateral 
platforms.  
4.307.   We wish Japan a successful Trade Policy Review.  
ZIMBABWE  
4.308.   The Governments of Zimbabwe and Japan enjoy excellent diplomatic trade and investment  
relations dating back to Zimbabwe's independence in 1980.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.309.   On trade, we are happy to report that, between 2012 and 2016, trade increased from 
USD 336 million to USD 1.054 billion in 2016.  
4.310.   Zimbabwe 's imports from Japan are mainly composed of motor vehicles and IT products 
such as machinery and equipment, electrical and electronic goods among other things, while the 
main exports from Zimbabwe include minerals and agricultural products.  
4.311.   Our small and medium -sized enterprises participated in the Japan Internati onal Food and 
Beverages Trade Show (FOODEX Japan) which has served to advertise our produce to the Japanese 
and Asian markets. The Government of Zimbabwe's policy on natural and organic foods places huge 
potential, for trade in these commodities are in gre at demand in Japan. There is a need to establish 
and develop long -term synergies with Japanese food distributors.  
4.312.   In terms of investment, Zimbabwe is home to Astra industry, Japanese brands such as 
Honda, Nissan, Sharpe and Sony, just to a name a few, whic h are commonly distributed in 
Zimbabwe.  
4.313.   Finally, there is a unique opportunity for the two Governments to act together in 
manufacturing in pharmaceuticals and chemicals, electronic goods, machinery and equipment, 
motor vehicles and components, and laborato ry equipment, among others.  
4.314.   We wish Japan a successful Trade Policy Review.  
VIET  NAM 
4.315.   Viet Nam associates itself with the statement of ASEAN delivered by the Philippines.  
4.316.   Viet Nam recognizes the importance of Japan 's economy for the world trade, the Asia -Pacific 
region, and for Viet Nam in particular. Since the previous Trade Policy Review, the overall picture of 
the Japanese economy has become more positive with the success of Japan 's Abenomics in 
stimulating the Japanese economy and policies for trade, in vestment and development.  
4.317.   We highly appreciate the strong commitment and important contribution of Japan in 
strengthening the rules -based multilateral trading system. We welcome Japan 's active engagement 
in liberalization of trade and investment under the WTO framework, and other international fora 
such as G7, G20, APEC and other regional mechanisms to address challenges to global trade. Japan 's 
strong track record in complying with WTO notification obligations also serves as a good example 
for other Me mbers in strengthening the Organization.  
4.318.   Bilaterally, Japan is one of the most important and long -standing trade and investment 
partners of Viet Nam. The two countries signed the Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA) in 
December 2008, effective in October 2009, which is the first comprehensive free trade agreement 
of Viet Nam. Both Japan and Viet Nam are Parties to the ASEAN -Japan Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership (AJCEP), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership 
(CPTPP), and have been participating in the negotiations for a Regional Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership (RCEP).  
4.319.   The total trade volume between Japan and Viet Nam reached nearly USD 40 billion in 2019, 
up 5.5% compared to 2018, in which, Viet Nam 's export s to Japan in 2019 reached USD 20 billion, 
up to 8.4% compared to 2018.  
4.320.   Japan is also one of the biggest foreign investors in Viet Nam. Since the CPTPP entered into 
force, there are 435 new projects of Japanese enterprises in Viet Nam, with a total invest ment of 
around USD 4 billion. These projects cover numerous sectors, including the manufacturing and 
processing industry, real estate business, wholesale and retail, repair of automobiles, motors and 
motorbikes, and construction. With USD 2.5 billion inves tment, manufacturing and processing 
industry remained the focus of Japan 's investment last year. These figures speak for themselves, 
reflecting Japan 's key role of trade and investment partner for Viet Nam.  
4.321.   Before concluding our statement, I would like to take this opportunity to express our high 
appreciation to Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki and his able team for their active contribution and WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  participation in the WTO 's activities, and wish Japan every success in its fourteenth Trade Policy 
Review.  
AFGHANISTA N 
4.322.   My delegation commends Japan for presenting its comprehensive trade policy report and 
modest economic recovery during the review period. We are impressed to see that the private 
consumption and business investment are on the increase, supported by contin ued improvements 
in the employment and income situation and high corporate profits. We commend Japan's 
commitment to trade liberalization under the multilateral trading system centered on WTO.  
4.323.   Afghanistan values its friendly relations with Japan. The relat ions between Afghanistan and 
Japan have a long history, and the Afghan people have a strong sense of trust and affinity towards 
Japan, as a country that has achieved rapid economic growth and development.  
4.324.   We acknowledge the very instrumental role of Japan amongst other friends and allies of 
Afghanistan during the past 19 years including hosting the first International Conference on 
Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan in 2002.  
4.325.   Afghanistan specifically recognizes and appreciates the commitment that Japan  has shown 
in Afghanistan's reconstruction, economic development, and institutional building in the past two 
decades.  
4.326.   Meanwhile, I would like to recognize Japan's significant contributions to the launch of the 
Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Comme rce among two other co -chair namely, Australia and 
Singapore, and for supporting the LDC accessions through technical assistance to accession 
applicants for building their trade capacity and for effective participation in the discussions related 
to various  items of the development agenda such as Aid for Trade.  
4.327.   Considering the recent challenges facing the multilateral trading system, Afghanistan counts 
on Japan's role among others in preserving an open, rules -based multilateral trading system with 
the WTO at  its core.  
4.328.   I conclude my statement by wishing Japan's delegation a very successful and productive 
Trade Policy Review.  
TAJIKISTAN  
4.329.   We appreciate the efforts of the Government of Japan and the Secretariat in producing the 
reports circulated well ahead of the  meeting and the discussant for his insights. The Reports provide 
comprehensive details on the developments in Japan 's economic and trade policy since its last 
review.  
4.330.   Diplomatic ties between the two countries were established in February 1992. The issues 
related to the development of friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries have 
been considered at the meeting of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, 
President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon with Pr ime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe 
and Emperor of Japan Akihito during the State visit of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to 
Japan in October 2018.  
4.331.   Constructive exchange of views was held on the expansion of political, economic, 
investment, trad e, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation. It was emphasized that "Japan, as 
an advanced country in the world, takes a special place in the foreign policy of our country, and 
Tajikistan regards Japan as an important partner in the international ar ena from the beginning of its 
independence ". Over the years of cooperation, the Government of Japan has implemented over 
426 social projects in Tajikistan and all these projects coincide with the strategic goals of the 
Government of the Republic of Tajikis tan. Particular attention was paid to the expansion of 
cooperation in the areas of finance, attracting Japanese investment in the economy of Tajikistan and 
implementation of joint projects in the private sector.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.332.   Tajikistan is interested in the active parti cipation of the Japanese side in the implementation 
of projects for the construction of medium -capacity hydroelectric power plants and strengthening of 
cooperation in the field of mining, transportation, agriculture, tourism and pharmaceuticals.  
4.333.   The foreig n trade turnover between Tajikistan and Japan for 2019 amounted 
USD 68.1 million and increased by USD 2.9 million comparing to 2018. Of the total amount of foreign 
trade turnover import constitutes USD 66.2 million with an increase of USD 2.5 million (104% ) 
comparing to 2018. Export constituted USD 1.2 million with an increase of USD 0.4 million (150%) 
comparing to 2018. The share of trade with Japan in the total foreign trade turnover of the Republic 
of Tajikistan for 2019 is 1.5%.  
4.334.   As the expansion of tra de cooperation with Japan is in the interests of both states it is 
important to make use of available opportunities for the development of trade relations between 
Tajikistan and Japan.  
4.335.   This fourteenth Trade Policy Review of Japan provides a great opportun ity to improve our 
understanding of its trade and investment regime. We appreciate the efforts of the Government of 
Japan and the Secretariat in producing the reports and the Discussant for the insights. The Reports 
provide comprehensive details on the dev elopments in Japan 's economic and trade policy since its 
last review.  
4.336.   The Republic of Tajikistan commends Japan for significant achievements made since its last 
TPR. Since its previous TPR, Japan continued to support growth by easing financial conditions, 
reducing the fiscal deficit, and raising employment and female labour force participation. Japan's 
highly -developed, high -income and market -oriented economy remains the world's third largest, 
behind the United States and China, in GDP terms with GDP per ca pita of USD 38.3 thousand as of 
2017. Annual GDP growth peaked at 1.9% in 2017, and its annual average rate stood at 1.1% 
(2016 -18).  
4.337.   We welcome the efforts of Japan, particularly to advance WTO reform discussions and its 
active engagement in a number of p lurilateral and multilateral initiatives at the WTO, including joint 
ministerial statements on e -commerce, investment facilitation for development, MSMEs, services 
domestic regulation and Joint Declaration on Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment.  
4.338.   Japan is a signatory to the ITA, participated in the ITA expansion negotiations and is a party 
to the GPA. Japan accepted the 2005 Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement in 2007 and ratified 
the TFA in June 2015. During the review period, Japan submitted nu merous notifications to the WTO 
and since 1 January 2017 has been involved in two new dispute settlement cases as a complainant 
and 34 new cases as third party.  
4.339.   In conclusion the Republic of Tajikistan highly appreciates the hard work and strong 
commitment  of Japan and wishes a very successful and productive Trade Policy Review.  
URUGUAY  
4.340.   Resultan particularmente destacables los esfuerzos realizados por el Gobierno japonés para 
apoyar el crecimiento, reducir el déficit fiscal, fomentar el empleo y la particip ación laboral de la 
mujer. Lo que ha posibilitado consolidar la expansión económica más prolongada del país en su 
historia posterior a la segunda guerra mundial.  
4.341.   De acuerdo con el informe de la Secretaría, Japón ha mantenido su posición como tercera 
mayor economía del mundo y la quinta más competitiva. Asimismo, notamos que no se observan 
variaciones sustanciales en cuanto a la desigualdad de ingresos y la tasa de pobreza.  
4.342.   Por otro lado, notamos que la disminución de la demanda mundial de productos de tecnología 
de la información y la desaceleración de la economía han frenado desde 2018 las exportaciones de 
determinados sectores. Lo que se ha traducido en una desaceleración de la producción industrial.  
4.343.   En lo que se refiere a la relación bil ateral, en 2019, se exportaron a Japón aproximadamente 
50 productos distintos, dentro de los cuales los extractos de carne ocupan el primer lugar, seguidos 
de la lana y las preparaciones y conservas de carne. También se destaca la exportación de chips de WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  madera, productos químicos, pescados y mariscos. Por otro lado, los principales productos de 
importación provenientes del Japón han sido automotores y maquinarias en general.  
4.344.   Destacamos que en abril del 2017 entró en vigencia el tratado bilateral de inversi ones entre 
Uruguay y Japón afín de promover las inversiones y fortalecer las relaciones económicas entre ambos 
países. Se trata de crear condiciones estables, previsibles, favorables y equitativas para mayores 
inversiones por parte de ambos países sobre la  base de los principios de equidad y beneficio mutuo.  
4.345.   Japón y Uruguay coinciden en que la única manera de afrontar los retos actuales del 
comercio mundial es preservando y fortaleciendo el sistema multilateral de comercio, herramienta 
fundamental para aseg urar un comercio abierto, equitativo y previsible. Por otro lado, encomiamos 
los esfuerzos realizados por Japón para liderar la iniciativa conjunta sobre comercio electrónico con 
miras a alcanzar resultados sustantivos antes de la duodécima Conferencia Min isterial.  
4.346.   Para Uruguay, las políticas destinadas a la promoción de las MIPYMEs constituyen un tema 
de gran relevancia. En este sentido, encomiamos los esfuerzos del Gobierno japonés por reformar 
el marco reglamentario en el que operan las PYMEs afín de red ucir las trabas y promover su 
participación en la contratación pública. De igual modo, destacamos su activa participación en el 
grupo informal sobre MIPYMEs de la OMC.  
4.347.   Para finalizar, quisiéramos reiterar nuestro reconocimiento por este nuevo ejercicio de 
intercambios sobre las prácticas comerciales de Japón al tiempo de felicitar el equipo de la Misión 
de dicho país en Ginebra encabezado por su Embajador Yamazaki por su trabajo y participación 
activa en esta Casa. Le deseamos una exitosa conclusión del pre sente Examen de políticas 
comerciales.  
PANAMÁ  
4.348.   De acuerdo con el informe de la Secretaría, durante el período objeto de examen, Japón ha 
seguido brindando gran importancia a la apertura del comercio internacional, al igual que su 
integración en la economía mundial y en las cadenas de valor mundiales lo cual se ha reflejado en 
la relación entre su comercio de bienes y servicios y su PIB.  
4.349.   Notamos que Japón hizo algunos cambios importantes y positivos en su marco legislativo, 
sobre medidas antidumping y compens atorias, las cuales están destinadas a flexibilizar las 
condiciones para los solicitantes que pidan la imposición de tales medidas. Además, han introducido 
varios cambios en el régimen de control de las exportaciones con respecto a las mercancías y los 
destinos.  
4.350.   Japón imprime gran importancia a la propiedad intelectual. Su "Visión Estratégica de la 
Propiedad Intelectual ", busca ofrecer una perspectiva a medio y largo plazo de la evolución de la 
sociedad y del régimen de propiedad intelectual.  
4.351.   Panamá aprove cha la ocasión para reconocer el compromiso de Japón con el sistema 
multilateral de comercio, sus iniciativas y el liderazgo mostrado en los últimas Conferencias 
Ministeriales, y la notable actividad de su delegación ante la OMC.   
4.352.   Japón es un participante  importante en las iniciativas sobre facilitación de las inversiones, 
MSMEs y reglamentación nacional de los servicios, temas de mucha importancia también para 
Panamá. Además, es uno de los coordinadores de la iniciativa de comercio electrónico.  
4.353.   Japón es muy activo también en las negociaciones sobre subvenciones a la pesca. No 
obstante, hacemos un llamado para que oriente su propuesta al mandato de las negociaciones y, 
genere consenso entre los Miembros.  
4.354.   Reafirmamos nuestro interés en continuar robustecien do la relación estratégica con Japón. 
Además, aplaudimos el interés de Japón en seguir fortalecimiento los vínculos económicos y de 
cooperación con las economías emergentes.  
4.355.   Le deseamos a Japón un exitoso examen comercial, y anticipamos una reforzada relac ión 
comercial bilateral en el futuro.   WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  MAURITIUS  
4.356.   At a time when the world is still grappling with the fallouts of the COVID -19 pandemic, the 
relevance of an open, transparent and rule -based multilateral trading system, with WTO at its core, 
has become more  than ever evident. For instance, through its transparency and monitoring function, 
the organization has helped to keep track of trade related measures being taken by members during 
these uncertain times. Against such a backdrop, we are indeed pleased to p articipate in the 
fourteenth Trade Policy Review of Japan –a major player in the multilateral trading system and the 
world 's third largest economy.  
4.357.   Mauritius commends Japan for its consistent and active engagement in strengthening and 
maintaining a rule -based multilateral trading system, including through new ideas and approaches 
for advancing trade negotiations at the WTO. In this regard, we welcome the contribution and 
pro-active role of Japan in developing trade related rules in new areas such as investm ent facilitation 
for development, MSMEs, electronic commerce, and domestic regulation in services.  
4.358.   Mauritius highly values its excellent relations with Japan. The opening of the Embassy of 
Japan in Mauritius in 2017 has helped to further strengthen coopera tion between our two countries. 
Mauritius is thankful to Japan for technical cooperation and capacity building projects in various 
sectors including climate change, health and maritime security. More recently, the Japanese 
authorities have decided to provi de funding, through the UNDP, for a project to support an Inclusive 
and Multi -sectoral response to COVID -19 and addressing its impacts in Mauritius. Furthermore, trade 
exchange has witnessed significant increase over the last few years and Japan is now one  of our top 
ten trading partners.  
4.359.   Through the recent opening of the Mauritius Economic Development Board (EDB) Office in 
Tokyo, we look forward to further deepen and expand the scope of our trade and investment linkages 
and establish a secure and predictab le business environment. As Africa looks forward to upscaling 
its engagement with major partners, particularly in the context of the recently launched African 
Continental Free Trade Area, we hope that the EDB Office will further assist Japanese businesses in 
tapping trade and investment opportunities in the continent. Thus, contributing in the 
implementation of the initiatives on trade and development announced at TICAD 7 held in 
August  2019.  
4.360.   As a small island developing state, Mauritius believes in intelle ctual property as a tool to 
drive innovation and creativity for economic development and we are currently revamping its entire 
IP framework. The Mauritius Delegation is, therefore, pleased to note that Japan has established 
The Intellectual Property Strate gy Vision and The Intellectual Property Strategic Programme which 
will serve to develop its new 'pro-innovation ' based intellectual property strategy vision. In view of 
the expertise and practical experience of Japan in innovation and development of techno logy that 
serve the purpose of economic development, Mauritius looks forward to the cooperation of Japan in 
our endeavour towards promoting innovation.  
4.361.   To conclude, the delegation of Mauritius wishes the delegation of Japan a successful and 
fruitful review.  
MYANMAR  
4.362.   Myanmar aligns itself with the ASEAN Statement made by the Philippines. First of all, my 
delegation would like to congratulate the delegation of Japan for its determination and commitment 
for transparency in Multilateral Trading Sy stem.  
4.363.   Japan and Myanmar have established longstanding friendship and cooperation in numerous 
areas including trade, investment, human resource development and culture. Myanmar would also 
like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Japan for her cont inued support to Myanmar.  
4.364.   In bilateral trade relations, it can be observed that the bilateral trade volume is growing 
steadily in which Japan is always in favour of Myanmar. But starting from 2018 Fiscal Year, Myanmar 
regained its trade surplus due to decl ine in imports.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.365.   The major export items of Myanmar to Japan are garments and agricultural products while 
the major import items are motor vehicles and spare parts, machineries, electronics, etc.  
4.366.   According to the Statistics from 2019 -20 (October to April), Japan ranks as the 3rd major 
export partner and 8th major import partner of Myanmar. As of May 2020, Japan ranks as the 
10th major investor in Myanmar.  
4.367.   Myanmar would like to appreciate Japan for its initiatives towards LDCs to benefit from 
Multilateral trading system under the Aid for Trade Programmes, One Village One Product Assistance 
and GSP Scheme.   
4.368.   According to the Japan 's Government report (WT/TPR/ G/397), the Japan 's GSP scheme has 
been vastly improved over the last several years and coverage rate of DFQF increased from 86% to 
approximately 98% as defined at the tariff line level. Also, the effective period of the GSP scheme 
is extended to 31 March 2021 to allow less competitive developing countries to benefit more from 
the GSP scheme. In this regard, we would like to thank Japan for its commitments and supports 
towards LDCs.  
4.369.   In conclusion, the COVID 19 Pandemic has exacerbated the existing numerous challenges 
many countries especially LDCs are facing in their social economic developments. To overcome these 
challenges, we have to work together and would like to urge major investors including Japan to 
enhance its healthy investment inflows and support international production and Global Value Chain.  
4.370.   I wish Japan every success in its 14th TPR process.  
JORDAN  
4.371.   I would like to start by extending a warm welcome to the entire Japanese delegation, and 
to congratulate them for the efforts exerted in the prepara tion for the trade policy review and 
preparing this report.  
4.372.   We would like to thank Mr. Kenko Sone, the Head of the delegation, for his opening 
statement and introductory remarks which highlight the reforms and positive developments in the 
Japanese economy,  in addition to Japan's commitment to the multilateral trading system. I would 
like also to thank the Secretariat for their excellent report and the discussant for his insightful 
remarks.  
4.373.   Jordan and Japan enjoy excellent bilateral economic relations, and bilateral trade in 2019 
exceeded USD 540 million.  
4.374.   We wish Japan a fruitful and a successful Trade Policy Review.  
HONDURAS  
4.375.   El año 2020, es un año especial para nuestros países, ya que celebramos el 85 aniversario 
del establecimiento de las relaciones diplom áticas y de amistad, lo cual nos ha permitido profundizar 
nuestras relaciones bilaterales y de cooperación, destacando áreas como ser, la prevención de 
desastres naturales, educación, salud, cultura, energía, ciencia y tecnología, apoyo a la micro, 
pequeña  y mediana empresa y la promoción de las inversiones entre otras.  
4.376.   La propagación de la pandemia del COVID -19 ha afectado la salud humana y la actividad 
económica en todo el mundo y en nuestro país, el número de contagios aumenta cada día y existe 
la preocu pación de que el virus se propague aún más.  
4.377.   En ese contexto, deseamos expresar nuestro profundo agradecimiento por el fuerte apoyo 
que hemos tenido del Gobierno amigo del Japón, especialmente en los programas de Asistencia 
Técnica, mediante la cual hemos recibido contribución al fortalecimiento del sistema de salud del 
país, así como con las medidas de control de enfermedades infecciosas.  
4.378.   Según un informe de la Agencia de Cooperación del Japón (JICA), Japón, ha invertido 
alrededor de mil millones de dólares en diversos proyectos destinados al mejora miento del bienestar WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  social de la población hondureña, los cuales han tenido un impacto en la reducción de la pobreza y 
en el desarrollo económico sostenible de nuestra población.  
4.379.   En cuanto a nuestro intercambio comercial bilateral, para el año 2019, nuest ro país registro 
un déficit de 140 millones de dólares, donde se importaron mercancías por 159 millones de dólares 
en vehículos, maquinaria, hierro y material eléctrico y exportamos alrededor de 19 millones de 
dólares en café, frutas y pescados, siendo Jap ón, el tercer mercado de importancia para Honduras 
en Asia.  
4.380.   En lo que respecta a los exámenes evaluados, notamos que Japón aspira a ser el país más 
favorable a la innovación del mundo, y para el año 2018 se situaron en la sexta posición en cuanto 
a capacid ad de innovación y mantuvieron su posición como la tercera mayor economía del mundo y 
la quinta más competitiva.  
4.381.   Destacamos que la ejecución del programa Abeconomía ha permitido que la economía 
japonesa se encuentre actualmente en una situación no deflacio naria y que el PIB nominal y real 
haya alcanzado su nivel más alto.  
4.382.   Asimismo, los informes reflejan que, en junio de 2018, la Oficina Central de Estrategia de la 
Propiedad Intelectual, estableció una nueva visión a medio y largo plazo hasta 2030 y también 
notamos las modificaciones en la legislación sobre política de competencia para cumplir los 
compromisos asumidos en virtud del Tratado Integral y Progresista de Asociación Transpacífico y 
para revisar el sistema de recargo.  
4.383.   Adicionalmente, hemos tomado not a que, en los últimos 70 años, la cooperación entre el 
Gobierno y la industria, una fuerte ética de trabajo, el dominio de la alta tecnología y una asignación 
de defensa relativamente pequeña han ayudado a Japón a desarrollar una economía avanzada y de 
las más competitivas en el mundo.  
4.384.   Nuestros países comparten el compromiso con el progreso del sistema multilateral de 
comercio auspiciado por la OMC, que esté basado en normas y bajo los principios de apertura, 
transparencia, no discriminación, inclusión y de bido proceso entre otros.  
4.385.   Finalmente, deseamos reconocer el liderazgo desempeñado por Japón en las distintas 
iniciativas presentadas en este foro y les felicitamos por sus importantes logros y esfuerzos durante 
el período objeto de examen y les deseamos e l mayor de los éxitos.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.386.   The period of review has been marked by significant adversities such as fiscal consolidation 
needs, sharp rise in social spending due to the population ageing, and large public debt. The 
COVID -19 crisis disrup ted business activity, weighed on consumption and investment appetite, and 
reduced overseas demand for Japanese exports. Japan is to be commended for its huge and 
coordinated large scale fiscal and monetary stimulus to help protecting businesses and consum ers 
facing the impact of COVID 19 and to support the economic activity.  
4.387.   Despite all these challenges, Japan 's economy remains the third largest in the world. Japan 
is to be recognized for its ambitious to develop a free, fair and high -level trade rules and  to continue 
its overall economic and financial reforms, particularly in the areas of taxation, competition policy, 
corporate governance, and labour market policies.  
4.388.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan are prominent trading partners. Trade exchange 
betwe en the two countries surpassed USD 38 billion in 2019. Japan is a potential partner to help 
Saudi Arabia achieve its Vision 2030 in a variety of fields, such as finance, industry, development of 
business and Public -Private Partnerships. Both countries have  significantly expanded their 
cooperation in investment, small and medium -sized enterprises, general industry, security, and 
education.  
4.389.   Over the period of review, Japan has continued to play a central role in the reinforcement of 
the multilateral trading s ystem and has been active in bilateral and plurilateral trade negotiations  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.390.   To conclude, I would like to commend H.E. Mr. Kazuyuki Yamazaki, Ambassador  − Permanent 
Representative to the WTO, and his team for their active role and wish the entire delegation of Japan 
a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.391.   Quiero iniciar comentando con profunda satisfacción que el 15 de febrero de este año se 
conmemoró el 85º aniversario del establecimiento de las relaciones diplomáticas entre Japón y 
El Salvador, celebración que permitió rememorar una historia de hermandad de casi un siglo entre 
dos pueblos. En la capital salvadoreña se conmemoró, entre otros eventos, con una exposición 
artística de fotografías y dibujos denominada "Kizuna ", que en español significa "lazos". En dicha 
exposición se presentó el logotipo oficial de la conmemoración del aniversario, conformado por el 
símbolo circular rojo de la bandera de Japón sirviendo de fondo a un torogoz, el ave nacional de 
nuestro país, en posición de vuelo.  
4.392.   Nuestros lazo s comerciales con Japón también son bastante estrechos. Japón es uno de los 
principales destinos de exportación de café de El Salvador. Y, entre los principales productos que 
Japón exporta a El Salvador se encuentran los vehículos automotores. De hecho, cu ando Japón en 
1953 exportó su primer vehículo hacia el hemisferio occidental, El Salvador fue su primer destino.  
4.393.   Otro hecho digno de destacar es la IED de Japón en El Salvador, la cual asciende a más de 
40 millones de dólares, lo que lo coloca en la lista  de los principales 15 inversores en nuestro país, 
con orientación en diferentes rubros, tales como: componentes electrónicos, electrodomésticos y 
ensamblaje de periféricos y aparatos médicos. Ya desde 1955 una empresa japonesa de fibra textil 
apostó por E l Salvador, convirtiéndose en la primera inversión japonesa después de la Segunda 
Guerra Mundial.  
4.394.   Otro hito importante que marca la relación entre ambos países es la cooperación. En 1968, 
la Agencia de Cooperación Internacional del Japón (JICA) empezó a en viar a voluntarios japoneses 
a brindar cooperación a nuestro país, y El Salvador se convirtió en el primer destino de la cooperación 
japonesa en toda Latinoamérica. Desde entonces a la fecha nuestro país se ha beneficiado con 
importantes proyectos realizad os gracias a la cooperación japonesa. Entre ellos destacan 
importantes obras de infraestructura, como el Aeropuerto Internacional de El Salvador San Oscar 
Arnulfo Romero, así como en otras áreas como educación, salud y cultura, donde destaca el 
Programa de  Asistencia No Reembolsable Para Proyectos Comunitarios de Seguridad Humana 
(APCS), a través del cual se han implementado más de 400 acciones, con un valor estimado de 
36 millones de dólares. Gracias a esta cooperación, que atiende las necesidades del pueb lo 
salvadoreño, Japón ha contribuido a que más de un 1.4 millones de personas cuenten con mejores 
condiciones de vida.  
4.395.    En cuanto al presente examen en el que nos honra participar, los informes que hemos tenido 
a la disposición nos permiten constatar la f ortaleza del Japón en términos comerciales, ya que ha 
mantenido su posición como la tercera mayor economía y la quinta más competitiva del mundo 
(2018). Pese a los impactos externos y otros factores que han provocado una desaceleración leve 
en comparación con el crecimiento obtenido durante el período de examen anterior, felicitamos las 
medidas implementadas por el Gobierno japonés para la revitalización de la economía, destacando 
la continuación de algunos programas como el "Abenomics" en el marco del cual  se está aplicando 
la Estrategia de Revitalización del Japón de 2016; así como la nueva Visión Estratégica de la 
Propiedad Intelectual de 2018, que abarca hasta el 2030, y otras medidas como una reforma 
financiera y reformas estructurales en áreas como la tributación, la política de competencia, la 
gobernanza empresarial y las políticas del mercado laboral.  
4.396.   En el marco de la OMC, Japón destaca por su participación activa, destacando la importancia 
que brindan al sistema multilateral de comercio como uno de los principales pilares de su política 
comercial. Juega un papel muy importante como coorganizador de la Iniciativa Conjunta sobre 
Comercio Electrónico y participa en otras negociaciones plurilaterales.  
4.397.   No me queda más que desear los mejores éxitos a Japó n en este ejercicio de política 
comercial.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  EGYPT  
4.398.   It is a great pleasure to take part in the 14th TPR of Japan and we would like to start by 
commending the Japanese Government for its solid economic performance during the review period, 
resulting in an an nual average GDP growth rate of 1.9%, in addition to the measures taken to reduce 
fiscal deficit and increase employment and female labour force participation, thus ensuring Japan 's 
longest economic expansion of the post -war era.  
4.399.   On the other hand, we note  the disparity between the average MFN applied tariff rates for 
agricultural products of 17.9% and that for non -agricultural products of 3.5%, as well as the relative 
complexity of the structure of MFN applied tariffs with a combination of ad valorem,  specific, 
compound, and other types of tariff duties.  
4.400.   In this regard, we call upon Japan to enhance market access conditions for agricultural 
exports for developing countries.  
4.401.   Egypt and Japan enjoy longstanding cordial relations that have developed over the ye ars 
into a partnership focused on trade, economic and cultural development.  
4.402.   Bilateral trade generally witnessed steady levels despite a brief drop in 2019 of 17% 
compared to the previous year due to the decline of Egyptian and Japanese exports by 40% and 
8.5%, respectively. However, recent data show a robust recovery in both Egyptian and Japanese 
exports that increased during the first quarter of 2020 by 110% and 18%, respectively, compared 
to the corresponding period in 2019.  
4.403.   We take good note of the recen t positive trends yet we believe that there is a potential to 
further develop our trade relations. In this aim, we express Egypt 's appreciation to Japan for the 
positive steps taken to grant market access for our exports of oranges starting the upcoming se ason. 
Nonetheless, we believe that new partial trade agreements concluded by Japan should not 
undermine market access to third countries, taking into account the relative provisions stipulated in 
Article XXIV of GATT, particularly Article XXIV:8(b).  
4.404.   On the  investment front, direct Japanese investments in Egypt are estimated at around 
USD 880 million, prominent in several areas, mainly energy, electronics and automobiles. We look 
forward to further enhance our investment cooperation and attract more Japanese  investments to 
Egypt, especially in the fields of infrastructure and technology transfer.  
4.405.   In the end, Egypt would like to wish the Japanese delegation a fruitful Trade Policy Review.  
CAMBODIA  
4.406.   Cambodia associates itself with the statement made by Chad on behalf of the LDC group and 
the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN Member States.  
4.407.   We acknowledge the efforts of the hard working and excellent cooperation between ASEAN 
and Japan towards achieving t he ASEAN -Japan 10 -year Strategic Economic Cooperation, and our 
commitments to implement the existing agreements including the ASEAN -Japan Comprehensive 
Economic Partnership which has served as the foundation for trade and investment relation for both 
sides.  
4.408.   We wish to congratulate Japan for maintaining its remarkable economic performance since 
its last review and also applaud Japan for preserving its position as the world 's third largest economy.  
4.409.   On the bilateral relation: Japan is a main trading partner f or Cambodia. Since we established 
diplomatic relations in 1953, Japan and Cambodia have maintained and strengthened excellent 
relation. Both sides commit to build prominent progresses for trade and development cooperation.  
4.410.   In 2019, Cambodia exported about  USD 1.7 billion mostly apparel, clothing and foot wears 
to Japan; and imported from Japan around USD 562 million, mainly vehicles, machinery, mechanical 
applications and equipment and so on so forth.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.411.   With regard to the ODA: Japan has been active in provid ing assistance for development in 
Cambodia such as for social, economic infrastructure, agriculture, health and human resource 
development. Japanese ODA to Cambodia in the past ten years has reached more than 
USD 700 million, accounting for 25% of all assi stance to Cambodia. I would like to take this 
opportunity to thank Japan for extending assistance for the development and for the recent pledge 
of over USD 6 million, comprising of medical supplies to support Government 's efforts in combating 
the COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.412.   At the WTO: we thank and appreciate the delegation of Japan in Geneva led by ambassador 
Yamazaki Kazuyuki, for the friendship and good cooperation. We commend Japan for putting its 
efforts and active participation in upholding and building -up rul e-based multilateral trading system. 
We particularly appreciate Japan for the generous supports to LDCs including Cambodia through 
granting DFQF market access under the Japanese GSP Schemes. In accordance with the secretariat 's 
report, Cambodia was the thi rd main beneficiary of the GSP scheme in 2017 and 2018.  
4.413.   Also, we recognize Japan for its works and supports LDC 's proposals and efforts under this 
organization. We encourage Japan to continue its outstanding action in supporting LDCs in the 
purpose of red ucing the development 's gap and alleviating the poverty.  
4.414.   Finally, we commit to working closely with Japan to strengthen the cooperation in related 
fields including trade, investment and works at the WTO.  
4.415.   I wish Japan a successful 14th Trade Policy Review.  
SRI LANKA  
4.416.   My delegation notes with interest Japan 's cont inued economic advancements, despite minor 
slowdown in average GDP growth during the period under review compared to previous review 
period. It is noteworthy the Government 's economic stimulus measures that warrant Japan's longest 
economic expansion of the  post-war era. Notwithstanding minor setbacks, Japan has been able to 
maintain its position as the world's third largest economy and an important player in global trade, 
while being one of the largest trading partners for many countries, including Sri Lank a.  
4.417.   Conferring a high level of predictability, Japan maintains a minimal gap between its MFN 
applied duties and bound duties at multilateral level. A slight increase in average applied MFN tariff 
is observed compared to the previous review period and a sig nificant difference of 14.4% is being 
maintained between simple average applied tariff of agricultural and non -agricultural products. In 
addition, it is observed the high degree of complexity of the MFN applied tariff structure of Japan 
with 272 different tariff rates.  
4.418.   As reported in the reports, Japan offers preferential tariff treatment to 128 developing 
economies and five territories under its GSP scheme. Though Sri Lanka has not been subject to a 
criteria under mechanism of graduation either under enti re graduation or partial graduation or 
product -by-exclusion and also been among the first 15 Main beneficiaries of GSP scheme having 
placed in 12th place in 2018 ranking, its share of utilization of the preferences still remains at very 
a low level 0.5% in  2017 and 0.7% in 2018, which is a sense of a considerable concern to Sri Lanka. 
The Existing Japanese GSP scheme provides limited preferential access to Sri Lanka and concessions 
are also not deep enough due to the wider asymmetry of countries eligible fo r the GSP scheme. This 
situation may not be due to any direct violation of WTO principles by the Japan. But Sri Lanka views 
that there should be a mechanism somewhat similar to the EU -GSP scheme to treat small and 
vulnerable countries differently having in significant GSP import market shares in the Japanese 
market and to accord them duty free market access to their products. Sri Lanka is ready to engage 
with Japan with a view to pursuing this proposal further.  
4.419.   Apart from this complex tariff structure and h igh rate of duties applied for certain agricultural 
products, for instance tea, our exporters experience comparatively low entry barriers in the Japanese 
market than other important export markets of Sri Lanka. With regard to MRL of a certain chemical 
comp onent contained in Ceylon Tea exported to Japan (MCPA), Sri Lanka intends to enter into 
negotiations with Japanese Authorities to set a higher level of MRL than what is applied at present, 
in line with similarly consumed food products. Sri Lanka expects to  commence a dialogue with the WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  Japanese authorities both in Tokyo and Geneva to raise its concerns formally and find solutions to 
address such measures affecting our main exports.  
4.420.   Japan is the 10th biggest export destination for Sri Lankan merchandises and  the 5th largest 
source of supply of imports for Sri Lanka. Trade balance is continued to be in favour of Japan, given 
the fact that Sri Lanka 's exports are concentrated on handful of items which do not attract high 
values such as tea, fish, rubber product s, apparel and textiles, and ceramics. In contrast, Sri Lanka 
faces high import bills from Japan albeit low volume of motor vehicles, machinery, electronic goods 
and equipment.  
4.421.   Given the significant stance of Japan in the global trade context, some of the  Japanese trade 
policy procedures and engagements with other trading partners, though they are fully compliance 
with relevant WTO principles, create de facto  barriers for small economies like Sri Lanka. This is 
worst for countries that do not have preferen tial trading arrangements with Japan, other than the 
GSP scheme.  
4.422.   As a main proponent of the multilateral trading system, Japan makes sure to adhere to nodal 
principles of WTO system in formulating their international trade policy, while maintaining the 
respective transparency obligations at a satisfactory level.  
4.423.   Japan was the largest aid donor to Sri Lanka until 2007 and is a major contributor to 
Sri Lanka 's infrastructure development. This led to the transformation of Sri Lanka 's relatio nship 
with Japan from aid to trade and then investment. Along with economic cooperation, Japan has been 
providing cultural aid to Sri Lanka since 1970 's. Japanese developmental aid has been instrumental 
in infrastructure development projects as well as ins titutional building projects in Sri  Lanka.  
4.424.   In 1982, an Investment Protection Agreement was signed between two countries to facilitate 
more Japanese investment in Sri Lanka. However, regrettably, only small quantities of Japanese 
investments could be attra cted into Sri Lanka.  
4.425.   In concluding, my delegation appreciates Japan 's highly valued contribution to the 
multilateral trading system and its active engagement in the negotiations. The dynamic role played 
by Ambassador Yamazaki and his team in Geneva in pro actively engaging in ongoing activities of 
WTO, is highly commendable. We sincerely wish Japanese delegation a successful deliberation on 
its 14th Trade Policy Review.  
CHAD  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.426.   Japan is a major player in world trade, it currently rep resents the third largest economy in 
the world.  
4.427.   In the current Japan Trade Policy Review, it is recognized that the Japanese economy has 
recovered at a moderate pace.  
4.428.   It is also recognized that the Japanese economy has been weakened by the slowdown of the 
world economy in 2018 and by the increase in protectionist measures. In 2017, the Japanese GDP 
growth rate was 1.9%, against 0.8% in 2018.  
4.429.   Obviously, it will also be necessary to estimate the impact on GDP of the unexpected 
COVID -19 crisis, which has not b een taken into account in the elaboration of the current Report.  
4.430.   Japan is a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system and of an open and rules -based 
trading regime. The country is fully involved in the negotiations at the WTO and is committed to 
improving the way the Organization works, so that the latter can deliver positive results for its 
Members.  
4.431.   The LDC Group welcomes the initiatives undertaken by Japan in order to consolidate its 
anchoring in the world economy, in particular through the stre ngthening of its outward and inward 
FDI, its objective of strengthening its economy by increasing domestic demand, by enhancement of 
creativity and value.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.432.   Japan has developed strategic visions in terms of investment in human -capital, in terms of 
intellect ual property, in terms of financial reform and in terms of competition policy. These visions 
and reform projects aim to promote competitiveness and constant progress in the Japanese economy 
and society, involving the opening as well to the rest of the worl d. 
4.433.   From the LDC Group point of view, our Group welcomes the duty -free and quota -free market 
access conditions that are offered by Japan, up to almost 98% of its tariff lines for agricultural and 
non-agricultural products.  
4.434.   Also, the LDC Group welcomes Japan 's commitment as part of the aid for trade promotion 
in favour of developing countries and LDCs. Indeed, since 2005 and the Hong Kong declaration, 
Japan has provided approximately USD 72 billion worth of Aid for Trade related assistance as of 
2017.  
4.435.   Among the LDCs, many of whom are African, we welcome the holding of the 7th Tokyo 
International Conference on African Development, in Yokohama, in August 2019, which aims to 
promote business between Japan and Africa.  
4.436.   We are also pleased that Japan has notified i n 2017 its preferential rules of origin in favour 
of LDCs, as part of the Nairobi Decision.  
4.437.   In 2018, around 1.7% of imports, out of the total amount of imports, enter under GSP 
benefits from developing countries and LDCs, according to the Secretariat Repo rt.  
4.438.   We hope that this level can be increased in the future and balanced among the various LDCs 
around the world.  
4.439.   With the aim of deepening trade relations in the future between Japan and the LDC Group 
Members, we take this opportunity to renew to Japan ou r best wishes for full success in its reforms 
and as part of its Trade Policy Review.  
MALI 
4.440.   Le Mali apprécie à sa juste valeur la capacité de résilience du peuple japonais face à de 
multiples catastrophes naturelles dont elle a fait l 'objet. La charte de coopération au développement 
adoptée en 2015 par le Gouvernement japonais et qui a été matérialisée vers l 'Afrique à travers le 
TICAD est l 'exemple de la parfaite coopération entre le Japon, l 'Afrique et les PMA.  
4.441.   Le Mali remercie le Japon qui est l 'un des premiers pays à l 'avoir reconnu un mois après son 
indépendance en octobre 1960. C 'est dans le cadre de ces relations vieilles de presque 60 ans que 
le Mali a ouvert son Ambassade au Japon en 2002 et la Représentation nippone a ouvert en janvier 
2008 au Mal i. 
4.442.   Au titre de cette coopération, le Mali a bénéficié de près de USD 220 millions et au titre du 
Ministère du commerce, nous avons bénéficié aussi de l 'un des crédits de 46 milliards de francs CFA.  
4.443.   Nous souhaitons plein succès au Japon pour cet examen.  
BANGLADESH  
4.444.   Currently third largest economy of the world, Japan is the seventh  largest export destination 
of Bangladesh and the first in Asia. Exports from Bangladesh includes woven garments, knit goods, 
leather products and others. Currently, Bangladesh is th e third largest supplier of apparel products 
to Japan having 4.1% share in Japanese market. Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Japan now 
stands over USD 3 billion. In 2018 -19 total export to Japan was USD 1.37 billion with 20.74% growth 
rate and which may decrease to USD 1.2 billion in 2020 due to COVID -19. 
4.445.   Japanese AfT initiatives have been contributing to enhancing the trade capacities of 
developing countries especially the LDCs and Japan has been providing various support measures 
for AfT. World trad e and development process should be inclusive, and Japan has been doing that 
by partnering the development initiatives by the developing countries including LDCs. Bangladesh WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  as an LDC has been benefitted from this and expressing gratitude and best wishes t o Japan. After 
adoption of the Hong Kong Declaration in 2005, Japan has provided approximately USD 72 billion 
worth of AfT related assistance as of 2017.  
4.446.   As a close and the single largest development partner of Bangladesh, Japan has been 
contributing in ma ny areas of developments. Bangladesh appreciates Japanese engagement and 
likes to emphasize that these steps would strengthen in this less developed part of the world to 
develop its trade and investment which will lead to cope up with the changing scenario  of world 
trade and development. This will also create employment opportunities and raise in real income of 
the this less developed country.  
4.447.   In 2019, total FDI from Japan to Bangladesh was USD 73 million. Bangladesh requests that 
Japan will extend policy support for investing in manufacturing and other sectors in Bangladesh. 
Government of Bangladesh is keen to support Japanese investments.  
4.448.   As a founding Member of the WTO, Bangladesh supports in rule based multilateral trading 
system and believes in coming days Japan and WTO 's role will be more prominent in the field of 
trade and development and achieving SDG.  
4.449.   Bangladesh once again congratulates the delegation of Japan in Geneva and wish successful 
14th TPR. 
SOUTH  AFRICA  
4.450.   Japan and South Africa enjoy strong and growing bilateral trade and investment relations. 
Japan was South Africa's 6th largest export partner in 2019 and ranked 8th among South Africa's 
import suppliers with total trade which stood at USD 7.1 billion in 2019.  
4.451.   We note with appreciatio n that Africa is one of the key emerging economies with which Japan 
wants to reinforce economic ties and cooperation as contained in the 2018 White Paper on 
International Economy and Trade. In this context, it will be important to ensure alignment of 
objec tives with Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA which at its core aims to promote industrialization and 
structural transformation of the African continent. This is especially important in view of the 
challenges presented by COVID -19 and the need to promote economic recovery and build resilience 
in the economy.  
4.452.   In the period under review, Japan maintained positive growth and a relatively low 
unemployment rate which declined significantly to 2.4% in 2018 which is less than half of the OECD 
average (5.3%). Most notably,  is the simultaneous hiring of new graduates, which helps to avoid 
periods of joblessness and contributes to the relatively low youth unemployment rate.  
4.453.   The Secretariat report states that Japan is an open and diversified economy. However, it 
also states th at Japan's structure of the MFN applied tariff remains complex and that in 2019, Japan's 
overall simple average applied MFN tariff rate rose slightly to 6.3% (up from 6.1% in 2016).  
4.454.   We are concerned that the simple average tariff rate for agricultural pro ducts is 17.9%. 
While understanding the need for each Member to maintain policy space for food security, we would 
like to emphasize that agriculture is an area where many developing countries have comparative 
advantage and with the right conditions will be  able to integrate into global trade and even move up 
the value -chain. We are also concerned with support provided to the agriculture sector which 
continues to distort trade. South Africa's current exports in agriculture are concentrated on a few 
products such as citrus fruit, canned fruit, fruit juice and wine. We have a keen interest to grow our 
agriculture exports to Japan which currently stand at only 3.1% of our total exports. We also note 
that 7.1% of Japan's tariff lines are non -ad valorem , and all t he highest tariffs have non -ad valorem  
rates.  
4.455.   We remain concerned with the impact of voluntary agriculture and industrial standards which 
are at times higher than the international standard and have a negative impact on trade. We 
recognize that Members ha ve the right to determine the appropriate level of sanitary or 
phytosanitary protection necessary to protect human, animal and plant life and health, and to 
establish measures to that end. To many least developed countries (LDC) and developing countries, WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  technical barriers to trade, especially sanitary and phytosanitary standard requirements (SPS) are 
trade restrictive because they add to the series of costs faced by their exporters. This has 
implications for developing countries ' export earnings and income s. In turn, it affects their quest for 
sustainable development through reducing poverty and unemployment. We urge Japan to consider 
the implications of these measures to developing countries.  
4.456.   In view of the fisheries negotiations, we note the level of supp ort provided by Japan to the 
fisheries sector and the importance of the fisheries sector to many developing countries. We hope 
to work constructively with Japan as we aim to deliver on all elements of SDG 14.6, with S&D an 
integral part.  
4.457.   We also note the a mendments to the anti -dumping legislative framework and welcome the 
removal of anti -dumping duties on electrolytic manganese dioxide from South Africa and Spain.  
4.458.   In relation to investment reforms, it is noteworthy that prior notification and approval 
requirements are in place for investments where there could be significant adverse effects on the 
smooth management of the national economy or on the grounds of public order, public safety or 
national security.  
4.459.   Furthermore, while recognizing the right of each Member to conclude FTAs, we hope that 
the FTAs that are recently concluded meet the WTO requirements of covering substantially all trade.  
4.460.   Finally, we wish Japan a successful trade policy review and welcome Japan's commitment 
and contribution to a rules -based MTS and to Africa's development through TICAD. We also thank 
the Secretariat for its report.  
KYRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.461.   Since the beginning of its membership to WTO, Japan has demonstrated highest of 
dedications to WTO rules and as it has been said at the last TPR  of 2017 has convincingly shown its 
commitment to trade liberalization under the multilateral trading system centered on the WTO 
continuously.  
4.462.   Among many other successful steps on the WTO platform are Acceptance of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement and Protoco l Amending the TRIPS Agreement.  
4.463.   Diplomatic relations between Kyrgyzstan and Japan were established in January 1992. In 
2003-04, the mutual establishment of embassies took place. Four years ago, the Japanese Prime 
Minister paid an official visit to Kyrgyzst an. The visit laid a solid Foundation for bringing bilateral 
relations to a new level of partnership.  
4.464.   Regular official visits of high delegations of both countries on a mutual basis have created 
favorable conditions for discussions of trade and investment between two countries. Among the last 
steps is visit of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Soor onbay Zheenbekov. to Japan in 
October  2019. Within this visit prospects for investment cooperation and measures to expand 
contacts between the business circles of the two countries between our states were discussed.  
4.465.   Meanwhile, today we recognize that the l evel of trade and economic relations does not 
correspond to the existing potential. Kyrgyzstan is interested in filling this gap. The Kyrgyz Republic 
and Japan have a number of business events, which lay forward the progress in economic relations.  
4.466.   Our coun tries have established beneficial mutual trade. The dynamics of trade from 2016 to 
2019 demonstrates positive trend.  
4.467.   Kyrgyzstan's exports to Japan increased by 30% for the period 2016 to 2019.  
4.468.   Kyrgyzstan 's export for abovementioned period to Japan mainly comprised honey, oilseeds, 
parts and accessories for appliances and machines, finished textiles and jet fuel.  
4.469.   Imports for this period 2016 -19 increased for 35%.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  4.470.   The goods of imports from Japan consisted of machinery, equipment for industry, gears and 
engines, rubber products (tires), products made of ferrous metals, spare part for vehicles, 
electronical machines and apparatus, medicines etc.  
4.471.   In terms of services, it is worth to note that tourism seems very attractive to strengthen the 
potential of trad e relations in services sector.  
4.472.   Taking this opportunity, the Kyrgyz Republic wishes a very successful fourteenth Trade policy 
review to the delegation of Japan.  
  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF JAPAN AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
5.1.  I would like to thank all the Members for their participation in Japan's TPR on Monday as well 
as today.   
5.2.  I highly appreciate your able management of the meeting, Mr. Chair, as well as valuable inputs 
by the Secretariat and the insightful presentation made by the discussant, H.E. Amba ssador 
Dagfinn  Sørli, on Monday. Each Member 's intervention would help us to evaluate our own policies 
from various angles so that Japan can achieve greater transparency. As one of the original advocates 
of the TPRM during the Uruguay Round negotiation, I would like to reiterate Japan 's commitment to 
the peer review mechanism of the WTO.  
5.3.  We also express our gratitude for comments from a number of Members on the openness and 
predictability of the Japanese economy and trade policies, including Japan 's commitm ent to free 
trade and the multilateral trading system embodied in the WTO.  
5.4.  There were also concerns raised by Members over Japan 's policies, asking for further 
improvement. I would also like to appreciate those interventions.  
5.5.  Since a variety of points of interests were raised, I may need to focus on issues which 
particularly attracted the attention of Members, structured by main themes for this review.  
5.6.  Having said that, Japan will respond, in writing, to all the remaining written questions which 
have been or will be submitted before the deadline.  
Economic Environment  
Public Debt  
5.7.  Some Members referred to Japan 's public debt. While Japan 's fiscal situation is extremely 
severe as its public debt has cumulatively increased, Japan aims to achieve both economic 
revitalization and fiscal consolidation in order to secure trust of the markets and the international 
community.  
5.8.  Japan formulated "the New Plan to Advance Economic and Fiscal Revitalization in 2018 ", which 
aims to achieve a primary surplus of the central an d local governments by FY2025 while steadily 
reducing the public -debt-to-GDP ratio.  
Labor Market: empowerment of women  
5.9.  I appreciate that many Members mentioned Japan 's efforts in the area of labor market policy. 
Amongst them, in particular, Japan has been  actively promoting women 's greater economic 
participation in order to resolve unprecedented challenge of declining birthrate and aging population. 
In this context, the facilitation of women 's active role has been placed as an important element of 
the "third arrow " of Abenomics in Japan 's Revitalization Strategy. To point out a few notable 
achievements, the number of women in the workforce increased by about 2.9 million from 2012 to 
2018, and the percentage of female managers in the private sector is app roaching 10%. Japan 
continues to reduce the burden of working parents and accelerate women 's promotion.  
Regional Trade Agreement Policy  
5.10.  I am pleased that many Members referred to their bilateral and regional trade agreements 
with Japan as the basis of the ir economic ties with Japan. With respect to the question on how 
Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) contribute to the multilateral trading system, Japan considers 
that RTAs promote free, fair and rule -based trading system, and that they complement the 
multil ateral trading system.  
5.11.  Japan considers that this understanding has been widely shared among the WTO Members, 
and aims to continue to take the lead in establishing comprehensive and balanced global rules 
through the conclusion and expansion of high-standard RTAs. I would also like to reiterate that Japan 
will stay committed to ensuring that Japan 's RTAs are WTO -consistent . WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  Trade Policies  
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
5.12.  I would like to respond to the comments made by Members on Japan 's Sanita ry and 
Phytosanitary measures. Japan establishes food safety standards on the basis of sound scientific 
evidence, and is making every effort to harmonize them with relevant international standards. For 
example, Japan takes into account the Codex standards whenever reviewing Maximum Residue 
Limits (MRLs) for agricultural chemicals and food additive standards, in accordance with Article 3.1 
of the WTO SPS Agreement.  
5.13.  Japan, when necessary, sets food safety standards which are different from the relevant 
intern ational standards. However, these measures are based on scientific evidence and consistent 
with Article 3.3 of the SPS Agreement.  
Animal and Plant Health  
5.14.  Regarding the lifting a ban and application of regionalization, upon request by a Member, we 
conduct a  risk assessment using sufficient information provided from the requesting Member and 
examine the request based on the result of the risk assessment, while closely consulting with the 
Member. The mentioned procedure is consistent with the SPS Agreement and  relevant international 
standards. The procedure is publicly available and is ensured to be operated with transparency.  
Technical Barriers to Trade  
5.15.  Comments were made regarding Japan 's measures on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and 
compliance with inter national standards. The measures of Japan are, in general, based on relevant 
international standards, to the maximum extent possible, in accordance with the WTO 
TBT Agreement. Those measures are under a constant review with a view to harmonizing them with 
relevant international standards.  
Import of Industrial Products  
5.16.  Some Member mentioned the difficulties in exporting industrial products such as automobiles 
to Japan. Since Japan neither imposes tariffs on imported automobiles nor takes any discriminat ory 
measures including non -tariff barriers, it is our recognition that Japan's automobile market is 
sufficiently open and fair.  In fact, the sales of some foreign automakers in Japan is steadily 
increasing. We expect the foreign automakers which have an in terest in Japanese market will follow 
the practices of those successful automakers through further sales efforts.  
Generalized System of Preferences  
5.17.  In order to improve market access for developing countries, Japan introduced preferential 
tariff treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) regime on 1 August 1971, and 
has re -examined it several times since then. Furthermore, under the regime, Japan has been 
granting special preferential treatment to LDCs since 1980. Currently, 128 developing countries and 
5 territories, including all LDCs, enjoy the benefits.  
5.18.  Japan has fully committed itself to provide duty -free and quota -free (DFQF) market access 
for essentially all products originating from LDCs. As a result, the number of agricultural and fishery 
products originating from LDCs which receive DFQF preferential treatments is 1,810 and that of 
industrial products is 4,194. Consequently, treatment coverage for LDCs has reached approximately 
98% as defined at the tariff line level.  
5.19.  These prefere ntial tariff treatments have contributed to improving market access for 
developing countries.  
Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)  
5.20.  Regarding the comments on the Government Procurement, Japan is a party to the 
Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) and is  making various efforts to increase opportunities WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  for foreign suppliers to obtain access to the Japanese market. Japan has established, on a voluntary 
basis, non -discriminatory, fair and transparent procedures that surpass the level of obligations 
stipulat ed in the GPA under the domestic laws and ordinances.  
5.21.  Japan is also making its efforts to improve transparency of the procurement process in order 
to be more user -friendly for domestic and foreign participants alike. For example, the central 
government ann ounces the annual schedules of its procurement plan well in advance and holds 
seminars on Japan 's government procurement for foreign entities and diplomatic corps stationed in 
Tokyo. In addition to above mentioned efforts, Japan has established a portal si te of the Government 
Procurement at the JETRO 's website in English for foreign user 's convenience.  
5.22.  Some Members raised their concerns on ICT procurements. I would like to emphasize that 
Japan does not exclude any specific companies from the government proc urement and does not 
prohibit the Japanese companies from procuring products of any specific companies. Japan is 
promoting the expansion of membership of the GPA and we expect Members expressing their 
concerns on Japan 's procurement to become parties to th e GPA by satisfying necessary requirements 
including ensuring level playing field.   
Export Control on Korea  
5.23.  With regard to export control on Korea, firstly, all WTO Members understand that, the WTO 
rules fully recognize their right to implement an export control system. In addition, under 
international export control regimes outside the WTO, it is fully recognized and respected that each 
participating State has the right to decide for itself on actual and effective enforcement and 
implementation.  
5.24.  Following  the established practices, Japan implements export license requirements solely with 
a view to enhancing appropriate export control for verifying whether dual -use goods and 
technologies exported or transferred from Japan pose a risk of being diverted to we apons or military 
use.  
5.25.  In particular, with respect to the three items at issue, as explained at various occasions, there 
were concerns such as the export control of individual exporters which tends to be managed in an 
inappropriate manner due to tight del ivery schedules requested by users. There have also been 
underlying concerns including those related to vulnerabilities of the organization and operation of 
Korea 's export control system, which is still the case today.  
5.26.  Second, Japan stresses that our expor t license requirements do not constitute quantitative 
restriction, let alone export ban. In fact, Japan has already granted export licenses for all of the 
three items, which were confirmed to be for civil use. As the Korean Government also stated at 
variou s occasions, no disruptions in the supply chains have been caused.  
5.27.  Third, regardless of what Korea asserts, Japan is convinced that the essential issue is whether 
the effectiveness of Korea 's export control system has actually improved. Solely for the purp ose of 
responsibly implementing its export control, comprehensive assessment on such actual 
improvement is necessary to determine whether it is necessary to make any further updates of 
Japan 's export control measures.  
5.28.  That is why Japan believes that enhanc ing mutual understandings of export control systems 
and building a relationship of trust between export control authorities is the best and only way to 
resolve this matter. Until Korea suddenly disrupted the Japan -Korea Export Control Policy Dialogue 
and o ther communications, both sides mutually enhanced understandings on export control systems 
each other. That is why Japan is disappointed by the Korea 's decision.  
5.29.  Japan remains hopeful that Korea returns to the table of dialogue and enhances Japan -Korea 
mutual cooperation towards non -proliferation of weapons of mass destructions, instead of pursuing 
the WTO dispute settlement process.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  WTO Reform (rule -making)  
5.30.  We ap preciate the comments from many Members on Japan 's commitment to the multilateral 
trading system and the WTO at its core, and our active engagement in multilateral and plurilateral 
negotiations at the WTO. Even at such a challenging time as today, maintain ing and strengthening 
the multilateral trading system is our foremost priority. Given the vulnerability and limitations of the 
existing free trading system, revitalization of the negotiation function of our Organization is essential.  
5.31.  On the Joint Statement Initiative on electronic commerce, Japan has been taking a leading 
role in the negotiations as a co -convener with Australia and Singapore. With the advent of the 
COVID -19 crisis, the importance of the digitalization of the economy has been widely  recognized and 
the pace of digitalization has been even more accelerated. Against this background, Japan will 
continue to lead the negotiations to achieve substantial progress by the Twelfth Ministerial 
Conference (MC12), including through the development  of a consolidated negotiating text, possibly 
by the end of this year.  
5.32.  As many Members mentioned, Japan is an active participant in other areas of the JSIs such 
as those on investment facilitation and Micro, Small and Medium enterprises. With regard to the  JSI 
on services domestic regulation, Japan welcomes active discussions on rule -making in this area, and 
expects further constructive discussions to achieve concrete outcomes by the MC12 at the latest. It 
is essential to ensure a level playing field during  and after the process of economic recovery from 
the COVID -19 crisis. Japan will continue to work closely with other Members on this issue, especially 
on strengthening international rules on industrial subsidies.  
Dispute Settlement Reform  
5.33.  We all recognize the urgent need for the reform of the WTO dispute settlement system so 
that it functions properly in serving the ultimate goal of securing a positive solution to a dispute. 
Our priority has always been and continues to find a long -lasting solution towards this end.  
5.34.  We also recognize the need for a stop -gap measure to secure a positive and prompt solution 
to pending disputes. Our own painful experience in recent dispute cases made us acutely aware of 
the need to address underlying issues of the WTO dispute s ettlement system. Therefore, Japan 
strongly believes that any attempts to adopt measures of provisional nature must serve the ultimate 
purpose of achieving a long -lasting reform of the WTO dispute settlement system. I also would like 
to stress whatever a l ong-lasting reform we will achieve, we must remember a fundamental principle 
underlying the WTO or the GATT dispute settlement system is to resolve disputes through bilateral 
consultations.  
Sectoral Policies  
Agriculture  
Agricultural Measures  
5.35.  A number of Me mbers referred to agricultural support in Japan. Japan 's measures on 
agricultural products are consistent with the WTO Agreements, including domestic support, tariffs 
system, Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) administration, and state trading. Regarding domestic sup port, 
Japan has reviewed its market price support policies and direct payments, as appropriate. TRQ 
administration is arranged based on the characteristics of each product, in which Japan is making 
utmost efforts to make the quota allocation and its admini stration fair and transparent, including 
making these operations publicly available through WTO notifications and on the official websites of 
the relevant Ministries.  
Agricultural Reform  
5.36.  Japan also noted comments on the agricultural reform from a number o f Members, and would 
like to emphasize that robust agricultural reform is under way. For example, Japan revised "the Basic 
Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas " in March 2020, in which the general direction is described 
to formulate policies on food,  agriculture and rural areas with a vision for the next 10 years.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  5.37.  In response to the aging and declining population in rural areas, as well as changes in 
domestic and global markets, the planned measures aim, for example, at:  
• improving the productivity b y consolidating farmlands, promoting "smart agriculture " and 
utilization of digital technology, and  
• generating income and employment opportunities utilizing regionally available resources such 
as biomass and local specialties.  
Fishery Subsidies  
5.38.  Some Member s referred to fisheries subsidies.  
5.39.  In light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Ministerial declarations and 
decisions, Japan continues to participate in text -based discussions in an active and constructive 
manner.  
5.40.  While Japan will express its views on individual points at coming negotiations, it should be 
emphasized that the disciplines of fisheries subsidies should be targeted to the environmentally 
harmful subsidies as mandated by the SDGs, and that the role of appropriate fisheries manag ement 
in ensuring the sustainability of fisheries resources should be duly recognized in the disciplines.   
Conclusion  
5.41.  As I mentioned on the first day, we feel much honored to become the first Member to be 
reviewed after the suspension of the TPR process due to the COVID -19 since this March. The TPRM 
is more important than ever, with all the uncertainties and anxieties cau sed by the COVID -19 crisis. 
I hope that Japan 's robust and unwavering commitment to this mechanism is loud and clear to 
everyone, given the intensive work my team has cooperated with you all for such an aggressive 
timeline of preparation. I wish to conclud e my remarks by expressing my sincere gratitude to 
Mr. Chair, Ambassador Dagfinn Sørli, the Secretariat and all the Members for your invaluable 
contribution and support to make this 14th Trade Policy Review of Japan a productive and a successful 
one. Thank  you. 
DISCUSSANT  
5.42.  First of all, I would like to thank Deputy Director General Sone, Ambassador Yamazaki and 
their team for their hard work in replying to the Members ' questions. It is an honour to contribute 
to the conclusion of this Trade Policy Review by highlighting some of the main issues discussed.  
5.43.  Several Members commented on the growth oriented macroeconomic policies of Japan, 
commonly known as "Abenomics". Japan was commended for its efforts to increase the participation 
of women in the labour market , and Members encouraged Japan to strengthen the focus on 
structural reforms.  
5.44.  Members appreciated the strong commitment of Japan to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system embodied in the WTO. Members applauded the active engagement of Japan in the WT O, 
including the active participation in various Joint Statement Initiatives, and, in particular, Japans 
leadership in the Joint Initiative on electronic commerce.  
5.45.  Members pointed to Japans active pursuit of preferential trade agreements as a complement 
to the multilateral trading system in promoting free trade. I noted that some Members found reason 
to recall that such agreements should cover "substantially all trade".  
5.46.  Japan 's position as one of the world 's largest economies, an important trading nation a nd 
source of foreign direct investments, was reflected in the Members' statements, highlighting the 
importance of bilateral ties with Japan, both in trade and investments. Members interest in 
developing their economic ties with Japan was also reflected in the high number of questions, 
including requests for clarification of policies and regulations.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  5.47.  Many Members pointed to challenges related to exports to the Japanese market. Members 
with export interests in the agriculture sector in particular, commented o n Japan 's complex tariffs 
and relatively high level of tariffs, as well as the relatively high level of support for Japan 's 
agriculture. Several Members encouraged Japan to continue on the path of reform in the agricultural 
sector.  
5.48.  Challenges related to t he regulatory framework, specifically in the area of sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures, but also more generally in relation to standards and technical regulations, 
were highlighted by a number of delegations. Various challenges related to the business en vironment 
were also identified.  
5.49.  In my view, the review was carried out in a constructive spirit and positive atmosphere. 
Members engaged actively with pointed questions and relevant comments, and the delegation of 
Japan has responded with the same engageme nt and respect. Japan has responded comprehensively 
to key issues raised by Members, and, in general, provided substantial answers to the many 
questions raised by Members. Given Japan 's key position and role in the world economy, it should 
be expected that  Japan 's policies and practices related to trade and investments will continue to be 
of great interest to other Members.  
5.50.  I would like to thank the delegation of Japan for their open and constructive attitude towards 
this exercise. I trust that the Governme nt of Japan will make use of this review as an encouragement 
and inspiration to continue its stable path, where an open and predictable trade policy anchored in 
the rules -based international trading system is an indispensable element.  
5.51.  Let me conclude by co ngratulating the delegation of Japan with a successful Trade Policy 
Review. Thank you.  
JAMAICA  
5.52.  Throughout the years, Jamaica and Japan have shared a strong and vibrant partnership at 
the bilateral, regional, and international levels. This has been underpinned by mutually beneficial 
tourism and cultural exchanges between both countries, as well as increasing trade and investment 
flows. To date, Japan is one of Jamaica 's leading import markets in Asia with motor vehicles and 
parts, as well as machiner y and equipment comprising the country 's main purchases from Japan. 
Jamaica has generally maintained a substantial trade deficit with Japan with total imports from Japan 
valued at USD 298.5 million in 2019. Jamaica 's main exports to Japan include coffee, p imento, 
pepper sauce, rum, beer, and wine, among other products.  
5.53.  In recent years, the two countries have been focused on strengthening collaboration on issues 
such as geographical indications and double taxation. Jamaica has also benefited from a 
longstan ding foreign direct investment relationship with Japan, including in its energy, agricultural 
and food services sectors.  
5.54.  We commend Japan for the progress made since its last review in 2017. The reports highlight 
the country 's positive macro -economic perfo rmance and outlook. The economy recorded moderate 
growth at an average of 1.1% per annum over the reporting period and that this figure is expected 
to improve. We note further the strong fiscal and other measures implemented by the Government 
which have no t only resulted in further reducing the fiscal deficit, lowering inflation, poverty, and 
unemployment but are also intended to stimulate higher levels of economic growth.  
5.55.  The services sector is paramount for Japan, contributing to 69.5% of the country 's Gross 
Domestic Product (GDP) and 72.7% of total employment. The manufacturing sector also plays an 
important role and accounts for approximately 20.8% of GDP.  
5.56.  As the world's third largest and fifth most competitive economy, Japan 's trade performance 
should a lso be commended. Trade remains a priority for Japan and the country has pursued 
strengthening relations with key regional and bilateral partners in keeping with its strategic interests. 
Positively also is the fact that the Japanese economy is characterize d by a high degree of openness 
as well as integration into the world economy and global value chains. This is further supported by 
a range of policy measures which, inter alia , are aimed at facilitating trade and investment. These WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  include: the Abenomics pr ogramme, the 2016 Japan Revitalization Strategy, the Future Investment 
Strategy, the New Economic Policy Package, and the 2019 National Growth Strategy.  
5.57.  Jamaica values the commitment demonstrated by Japan towards the strengthening and 
preservation of the rules-based multilateral system which is a vital conduit for achieving the growth 
and development objectives of all Members. We further commend Japan for its continued active 
engagement in the work of the WTO and its various Councils and take note of its c ontributions to 
various Joint Statement Initiatives, including on Electronic Commerce.  
5.58.  In conclusion, Jamaica once again congratulates Japan and extends best wishes for a 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
REPÚBLICA  DOMINICANA  
5.59.  La República Dominicana y Japón este año conmemoran 86 años de relación diplomática, los 
cuales son precedidos por relaciones comerciales de muy largas datas. Es menester indicar que las 
importaciones de República Dominicana desde Japón representaron más de tres ciento ochenta y 
ocho mil lones de dólares (USD 388,000,000), para el año 2019, según datos de la Dirección General 
de Aduanas de nuestro país. Entre los principales productos de importación podemos citar: productos 
pesqueros congelados y en conservas, aceites comestibles, vehículo s de motor, repuestos de 
vehículos en general, aceites y lubricantes para vehículos de motor, instrumentos musicales, 
aparatos de medición medicales, entre otros.  
5.60.  Por otra parte, las exportaciones de la República Dominicana hacia Japón totalizaron más de 
veinte millones diez mil dólares norteamericanos (USD 20,010,000) durante el mismo año 2019, 
combinando la exportación nacional y nuestras zonas francas industriales y especiales, siendo el 
tabaco, el aguacate, artículos farmacéuticos, calzados, productos d e higiene bucal, y materias de 
manufactura textiles, los productos líderes en esta gestión comercial.  
5.61.  Dentro del marco de la OMC, ambos países son signatarios del Acuerdo sobre Tecnología de 
la Información (ATI) y participan en las negociaciones sobre su a mpliación. Asimismo, aceptaron el 
31 de agosto de 2007, el Protocolo de 2005 por el que se enmienda el Acuerdo sobre los ADPIC, así 
como el Protocolo de 2014 relativo al Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio.  
5.62.  Durante la Conferencia Ministerial de la OMC  celebrada en 2017, también suscribieron las 
declaraciones ministeriales conjuntas sobre la facilitación de las inversiones para el desarrollo; el 
establecimiento de un programa de trabajo informal de la OMC sobre las MIPYMEs, y la 
reglamentación nacional en la esfera de los servicios  
5.63.  Felicitamos a Japón, puesto que, según el informe de la Secretaría, este país ha logrado 
mantener su posición como la tercera mayor economía y la quinta más competitiva del mundo. 
Japón continúa siendo la economía más diversif icada del mundo, gracias a sus exportaciones de 
productos de alta tecnología, y a su sector de servicios.  
5.64.  La aplicación de una política monetaria flexible ha seguido dando un estímulo monetario al 
crecimiento y ha ayudado a crear un entorno financiero est able. 
5.65.  Nuestro país también valora la flexibilidad otorgada por Japón para que los operadores 
económicos autorizados puedan presentar sus declaraciones de importación/exportación en 
cualquier oficina de aduanas, no solo en aquella en la que estén almacenada s sus mercancías.  
5.66.  Celebramos los avances en el logro de la sociedad 5.0 así como los esfuerzos encaminados a 
aumentar la oferta de mano de obra para compensar las tendencias demográficas desfavorables, en 
especial la mano de obra femenina, de trabajadores de más edad y de t rabajadores extranjeros.  
5.67.  Sin embargo, señalamos que la ayuda a los productores agrícola sigue siendo elevada. Los 
agricultores que amplían el tamaño de sus explotaciones siguen teniendo derecho a recibir pagos 
por las hectáreas adicionales y se ofrecen pa gos de hasta JPY 700.000 por unidad familiar, por el 
arrendamiento de tierras a agricultores. Asimismo, observamos que la notificación más reciente del 
Japón al Comité de Agricultura de la MC en relación con la ayuda interna remonta al ejercicio 
económico de 2016.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  5.68.  Finalmente, queremos agradecer la oportuna respuesta de Japón a los planteamientos 
realizados por la República Dominicana sobre distintos puntos contenidos en el Informe, las cuales 
están siendo analizadas en nuestra capital. Asimismo, reconocemos los esfu erzos de las autoridades 
de este país para facilitar el comercio y les alentamos a seguir aportando su valiosa contribución a 
la cadena de valor mundial y al sistema multilateral de comercio. Deseándole el mejor de los éxitos 
en este proceso.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.69.  We sincerely thank Head of Delegation, Deputy Director General Kenko Sone for his thoughtful 
remarks, and Ambassador Sørli for his insightful observations as discussant this morning. We also 
extend our gratitude to both Japan and the Secretariat for their  efforts to overcome the challenges 
in holding the Trade Policy Review during an ongoing pandemic using a creative hybrid approach.  
5.70.  During day 1 remarks, the United States, along with several another Members, voiced concern 
regarding non -tariff barriers an d market access barriers to trade in the industrial and agricultural 
sectors. Notwithstanding these raised concerns, the United States recognizes and encourages efforts 
and concrete measures by Japan to further facilitate market opening through domestic re forms and 
through further bilateral negotiations.  
5.71.  We greatly appreciate Japan 's informative responses to our advance written questions. We 
have studied them carefully and have several follow -up questions which we submitted to the 
TPR Division earlier this morning. Our follow -up questions focus primarily on matters related to tax 
reform, ongoing trade negotiations, export support, standards and labelling requirements, 
SPS measures, IPR, forestry trade policies, international agreements, and e -commerce.  
5.72.  We th ank Japan for their continued engagement and we intend to review the responses to 
these questions closely.  
5.73.  In closing, the United States looks forward to continuing our close partnership with Japan on 
areas of mutual concern. Congratulations on completing the first hybrid TPR.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.74.  I would first like to thank Japan for the comprehensive overview presented on Monday of the 
main developments occurred in its trade and economic policy during the review period, as well as 
for the presentation this morn ing.  
5.75.  The discussion on the first day of the review has shown that many Members share the EU 's 
positive views about the constructive role Japan plays within the WTO and in international trade and 
the continued commitment Japan shows to the multilateral tra ding system.  
5.76.  The EU also shares the views of many Members about the effective management of the 
COVID -19 crisis by Japan and its good cooperation with other countries.  
5.77.  While we maintain an enhanced bilateral discussion, close coordination and exchange of  
information through our Strategic Partnership Agreement and the Economic Partnership Agreement, 
this review has been very useful for further understanding the trade policies of Japan.   
5.78.  The EU hopes that Japan will duly take into account some of the chall enges and concerns 
highlighted by us and other Members.  
5.79.  We would like to thank Japan for having provided timely replies to the questions raised by the 
EU. The answers gave useful clarifications on the issues we had raised.  
5.80.  However, the replies also demon strate that further clarification and information is needed on 
some occasions. Therefore, the EU has submitted follow -up questions on a limited number of issues, 
notably on SPS measures and government procurement issues. We have submitted these follow -up 
questions to Japan via the Secretariat and will look forward to the replies in due time.  WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  5.81.  For the EU, Japan is a strategic partner with shared interests and commitment to the 
multilateral, rule -based trading system. We are looking forward to our continued c ooperation in all 
the relevant multilateral, plurilateral, and bilateral fora.  
5.82.  We also thank Japan for holding the suspended TPR  in this hybrid format that proved to be a 
successful exercise and hopefully will also serve as an inspiration for the other resumed TPR 
meetings in the future.  
CHINA  
5.83.  Let me start by thanking the delegation of Japan, both those present here and many 
collea gues in Tokyo, for their efforts in this exceptional Trade Policy Review during the pandemic. 
My appreciation also goes to H.E. Kenko Sone for his comprehensive response to Members ' 
interventions.  
5.84.  China values Japan as its important trading partner and top  investor. We welcome Japan 's 
commitment to the multilateral trading system. We hope Japan will intensify its efforts to ensure its 
trade and investment regime transparent, fair, and non -discriminate by taking due consideration of 
Members ' concerns express ed in this TPR.  
5.85.  We look forward to continued collaboration and cooperation with Japan, both in the global 
supply chain and here at the WTO. We thank Japan for providing answers to our advance questions 
which will be studied further in our capital.  
5.86.  China al so submitted some follow -up questions with regard to IP protection, agriculture export 
promotion, and TRQ administrations sector. We hope replies will be given in due course.  
5.87.  In conclusion, let me congratulate Japan on a successful Trade Policy Review. I s incerely wish 
the delegates, both here and in Japan, good health and safe.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
5.88.  We will convey the response provided by Japan to capital and hope that concerns expressed 
by Members including Korea in this review will be seriously considered an d be addressed by Japan.  
5.89.  I would like to raise an important house -keeping issue concerning the confidentiality of the 
TPR process. Prior to the first session of the TPR meeting, Korea had provided a copy of our draft 
statement to the Secretariat according to the request for its internal use only, which we understood 
was for interpreters. However, the draft statement has been leaked to the press and some parts of 
the draft statement have been misquoted, which we have modified in our actual delivery.  
5.90.  This leak could mislead the public about Korea 's statement, and also undermine the credibility 
of the Secretariat in its management of the TPR process.  
5.91.  Korea expresses strong regret over this leak and requests the Secretariat to examine how the 
draft stat ement has been leaked to the press and to remedy the incorrect news reports as soon as 
possible. In addition, for the sake of all Members, we firmly request that the Secretariat would 
prevent any recurrence of such press leak.   WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CH AIRPERSON  
6.1.  Despite the COVID -19-related meeting constraints, the fourteenth Trade Policy Review of Japan 
has offered us a good opportunity to deepen our understanding of recent developments in, and 
challenges to, its trade, economic, and investment policies . Since its last TPR in 2017, Japan's 
initiatives to maintain its position in the Multilateral Trading System and take advantage of the 
opportunities it offers have been greatly appreciated. Indeed, the about 753 advance written 
questions submitted by 32 M embers and the 50 delegations that took the floor during the first and 
second day underline the importance attached by Members to Japan's trade and investment policies 
and practices.  
6.2.  I would like to thank Japan's delegation, led by the Director -General of  the Economic Affairs 
Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kenko Sone, for its active participation in this exercise 
speaking from Tokyo. Also, I would like to thank H.E. Ambassador Yamazaki, Permanent 
Representative of Japan to the WTO, our disc ussant H.E. Ambassador Dagfinn Sørli, Permanent 
Representative of Norway to the WTO, for his insightful remarks, and all the delegations that took 
the floor for their valuable contributions to this Review.  
6.3.  Members commended Japan's key role in the global trading system, its integration in the world 
economy and global value chains, the results of its macroeconomic policy (Abenomics), its policies 
to promote women 's economic empowerment and its response to the COVID -19 pandemic. Japan 
remains a key investmen t and trade partner for many Members. Concern was expressed about  
recent measures to increase the scrutiny of foreign direct investment and to incentivize firms to 
re-shore production. Members welcomed trade -related structural reform focused on increasing 
economic resilience and productivity. Members felt that reforms r elating to digital privacy and 
medical care should not unduly disadvantage foreign firms.  It was noted that economic support could 
be costly as Japan was still to address fiscal consolidation  and high public debt . 
6.4.  Members praised Japan for its initiatives,  longstanding support and active participation in the 
Multilateral Trading System. They , inter alia , referred to the Joint Statement Initiatives on 
e-Commerce and on Investment Facilitation for Development, the Joint Declaration on Women and 
Economic Empow erment, and the Statement on MSMEs, as well as its contribution to advance WTO 
reform and engagement in the negotiations on fisheries subsidies and services domestic regulation. 
They also highlighted Japan 's strong track record with WTO notification obliga tions in almost all 
areas.  Some Members invited Japan to join the Multi -Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement. 
Members also referred to Japan's increased focus on RTA initiatives, including its leadership on the 
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreeme nt for Trans -Pacific Partnership, and their trade coverage. 
Several developing and least -developed Members expressed appreciation for Japan's aid for 
trade-related assistance, One Village One Product programme, and tariff preferences whose 
deepening was en couraged. Japan was praised for notifying its preferential rules of origin in favour 
of LDCs, as part of the Nairobi Decision.  
6.5.  While commending the high degree of predictability in Japan's tariff regime, Members 
encouraged a reduction of the complexity and  peaks of its customs tariff. While Japan was 
commended for its trade facilitation efforts, it was encouraged to improve efficiency in the handling 
of goods at the border and ensure that technical regulations do not impede trade. Japan was urged 
to remove certain export restrictions. Foreign participation in government procurement remained 
low and Japan was encouraged to revise its procedures and practices in this area.  
6.6.  Some other issues were also raised by certain Members. Agriculture remained highly prot ected 
by tariff and non -tariff (e.g.  SPS) measures, and supported by subsidies. Tariff Rate Quota fill rates 
for certain products were low, some products faced market access barriers and concern was 
expressed about the role of state trading in the sector. Many Members urged Japan to pursue a 
market -oriented reform, reduce subsidization and submit outstanding WTO notifications on domestic 
support on agriculture. Some Members encouraged alignment of domestic standards with 
international standards (e.g., Codex  Alimentarius) in the agri -food sector. Japan was urged to reduce 
its fisheries subsidies and improve their transparency so as to ensure that they do not contribute to 
illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing or overfishing and overcapacity. Japan was e ncouraged 
to rationalize its fossil fuel subsidies regime. Whereas industrial tariffs were generally low, non -tariff 
barriers affected market access of certain goods (e.g., automotive, electrical appliances and 
pharmaceuticals). On services, some Members i nquired about the prospects for more foreign 
participation in certain activities; they also noted market access difficulties in notably on Information WT/TPR/W/ 178 • Japan  
 
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  Technology services, insurance, and telecommunications (5G spectrum allocation). Japan was 
praised for it s WTO commitments in maritime transport.  
6.7.  The above are some of the key issues that had emerged in our discussion. I hope that the 
Japanese delegation will take into account and further reflect on these issues and on the many 
constructive comments, both br oad and detailed, that it has received during this Review. Members 
look forward to receiving the answers from Japan to any outstanding questions within one month, 
at which point the Review will be successfully concluded . 
__________