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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 8 AND 10 MARCH 2017  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanqua rt@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 17 April 2017 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
JAPON 
PROJET DE COMPTE REN DU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 8 ET 10 MARS 2017  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettr e leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 17 avril 2017  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
JAPÓN 
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 8 Y 10 DE MARZO DE 2 017 
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 17 de abril de 2017  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
_______________  
 WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
JAPAN 
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETI NG 
Chairperson: Ms Irene Young (Hong Kong, China)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F JAPAN  ................................ ........  5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ........................  14 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF JAPAN A ND ADDITIONAL COMMEN TS ............  64 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  75 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Japan are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/351/Add.1 and will be available online 
at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_ rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The 13th Trade Policy Review of Japan was held on 8 and 10 March 2017. The Chairperson, 
Ms. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China), welcomed the delegation of Japan headed by Mr. Tomochika 
Uyama, Deputy Director -General, Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs ; the 
delegation from Tokyo; and the discussant, H.E.  Ambassador  Julian  Braithwaite (United  Kingdom).  
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Japan was contained in document WT/TPR/G/351 
and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/351.  
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Australia; Switzerland; Mexi co; Peru; Hong Kong, China; Canada; Republic of Moldova; Republic of 
Korea; United States; Colombia; European Union; Costa Rica; Malaysia; Ukraine; Chile; 
Singapore; Brazil; Guatemala; China; Norway; Chinese Taipei; New Zealand; Paraguay; Ecuador; 
Indonesi a; and the Russian Federation. The following delegations submitted written questions after 
the deadline: India; Thailand; Argentina; Mongolia; Kenya; Turkey; El Salvador; Kingdom of 
Saudi  Arabia; and Oman.  
1.4.  At the previous TPR in 2015, Members had welcomed  Japan's efforts to overcome protracted 
deflation and revitalize the economy. In particular, Members had been interested in the structural 
reforms under the Japan Revitalization Strategy, and had urged Japan to pursue without delay 
trade and investment lib eralization measures. During this review period, Japan made further 
efforts to stimulate economic growth, contain deflation, reduce public debt, and boost productivity. 
The authorities were now expecting a gradual rise in prices and a stronger GDP growth. As the 
3 arrows of Abenomics had an important bearing on the business environment, it might be helpful 
if the Japanese delegation could enlighten Members on the latest development and the 
implications for trade and related policies.  
1.5.  As an active Member of the WTO, Japan sought to strengthen and maintain the multilateral 
trading system. Its constructive participation in WTO negotiations had been commended at the last 
TPR. With the successful conclusion of the Information Technology Agreement in 2015, Members  
were now asking questions about Japan's implementation of that Agreement, and also its 
participation in other plurilateral initiatives, as well as its progress in negotiating new bilateral and 
regional trade agreements.  
1.6.  As regards domestic trade policies  and measures, Members had discussed in the previous 
review topics such as customs procedures (notably improvements to the Authorized Economic 
Operator programme), and alignment of Japan's technical requirements and SPS measures with 
international standard s. Concerns had also been expressed about the relatively complicated public 
tendering procedures for foreign enterprises, and the number of exemptions to the Anti -Monopoly 
Act. Similar questions were raised in this TPR, but Members also understood that the re were new 
developments in these areas, such as the amendments to customs -related laws, the enactment of 
a new Food Labelling Act, the notification to the WTO of quite a significant number of new 
technical regulations and SPS measures, and the introductio n of a multiple bidding system for 
government procurement. For Members who were interested in these developments, the meeting 
was a timely occasion for seeking further information.  
1.7.  The investment regime was another area which had seen significant changes i n recent years, 
with new and bold initiatives to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). In this TPR, Members 
asked questions about the National Strategic Special Zones, the Council for Promotion of FDI and 
the new measures it had introduced.  
1.8.  There were o ther questions about subjects such as anti -dumping and safeguard measures, 
export promotion, and many others about Japan's intellectual property regime including the new 
legislation protecting geographical indications and Japan's enforcement of IP laws. Th ese topics 
had not featured prominently in the last TPR, but they seemed to be receiving more attention this 
time. 
1.9.  Regarding specific trade sectors, the high protection for agriculture, special safeguards and 
tariff quotas, subsidy programmes and unbound t ariffs on fisheries products continued to be WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  matters of great interest to Members, especially those who wished to see reforms in these areas. 
Meanwhile, Japan was pressing ahead with its progressive liberalization of the electricity market. It 
had also, si nce the last review, introduced changes to various service sectors, such as amending 
the Banking Act and revising the regulatory framework for telecommunications services.  
1.10.   This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail these i ssues, 
as well as other issues of interest to Members and of systemic importance to the multilateral 
trading system. The Chairperson looked forward to a fruitful exchange.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F JAPAN (MR. TOMOCHI KA UYAMA)  
AMBASSADOR  IHARA  
2.1.  Madam Chair, fellow Ambassadors, and distinguished representatives.  
2.2.  Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to Ms. Irene Young, Chair of the TPRB, 
and to the distinguished discussant, His Excellency Mr. Julian Braithwaite. I would also like  to 
extend my gratitude to the Director of the TPR Division, Mr. Willy Alfaro and his team, 
Mr. Masahiro Hayafuji, Mr. Pierre Latrille, and Mr. Michael Kolie, for their excellent work in 
preparing the thirteenth Trade Policy Review of Japan.  
2.3.  Since the esta blishment of the WTO, the Trade Policy Review Mechanism has contributed to 
ensuring the transparency of the trade policies and practices of WTO Members. Today, facing 
widespread uncertainty and growing mistrust in trade, we believe the mission of the TPRM is more 
important than ever.  
2.4.  The TPRM is sometimes criticized for being toothless. This mechanism is indeed not to 
enforce specific commitments of the Members. However, soft power is often more effective than 
hard power. By preparing its report and by answ ering questions from peers, each Member under 
review has a chance to evaluate its own policies from new and different angles, which helps 
improve Members' trade policies and thus strengthen the multilateral trading system.  
2.5.  As an original advocate and prop onent of TPRM at the time of the Uruguay Round 
negotiations, Japan is determined to further contribute to strengthening this mechanism. The Sixth 
Appraisal held last year gave Members a valuable opportunity to consider how to improve the 
TPRM. There are tw o issues of particular note: sustainability and effectiveness. On the 
sustainability side, we achieved a significant outcome under the leadership of the Chair in regard 
to the cycles of the reviews. However, in terms of effectiveness of the Mechanism, the outcomes 
left a lot to be desired. But there are things we can do without waiting for the next Appraisal to 
make the review more effective and relevant. For example, considering the impact of digitization 
of the economy, we should introduce digital trade t o the Trade Policy Review.  
2.6.  For this current review of Japan, we received approximately 680 questions from 35 Members, 
and we are pleased to tell you that we have been able to answer almost all questions, including 
those that were submitted after the deadl ine. 
2.7.  Japan owes its prosperity to free trade, which is framed and ensured by the multilateral 
trading system. We, therefore, will continue to do our utmost to preserve and strengthen the 
rule-based international trading system under the WTO. We will uphold  this policy in the face of 
the current rise in anti -globalism and protectionism.  
2.8.  Having said that, I now hand over the floor to our Head of delegation, Mr. Uyama, Deputy 
Director -General of the Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who wi ll introduce the 
economic, fiscal, and trade policies of the Abe administration.  
MR. UYAMA  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)  
2.9.  Thank you, Ambassador. Thank you, Mme Chair.  
2.10.   My name is Tomo Uyama, Deputy Director -General, Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of 
Foreign Affai rs of Japan, heading the Japanese delegation for the Trade Policy Review. I am very 
much honoured to have an opportunity to explain the economic and trade policies of Japan before 
such distinguished participants.  
Abenomics  
Achievements  
2.11.   Let me first talk ab out achievements of the economic and fiscal policy of Japan, called 
Abenomics, followed by my presentation on our trade policy.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  2.12.   Since the "three arrows" approach of Abenomics was launched in 2012, namely "bold 
monetary policy," "flexible fiscal stimulus" a nd "growth strategies," the nominal GDP increased by 
9.5%, which is 47 trillion yen (more than US$400 billion), the real GDP grew by 5.3%, which is 
26 trillion yen (around US$230 billion). Particularly, the figures related to employment and 
income, which m atter most to the people's livelihood, have substantially improved. The number of 
employed persons increased by 1.7 million, and the active job openings -to-applicants ratio 
surpassed 1.0 in 47 prefectures, meaning that the number of job offers surpassed th at of job 
applicants in all the prefectures in Japan. This was the first time in history. The wage increase, 
including the figure in small and medium -sized enterprises recorded its highest level this century 
for the most recent three consecutive years. The  average household's disposable income has also 
increased for the two years running. Those figures demonstrate undoubtedly that a positive 
economic cycle is being generated in Japan.  
Three Arrows Approach  
2.13.   Let me explain our policies on each of the three ar rows of Abenomics.  
2.14.   As for the monetary policy, the monetary easing by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) starting April 
2013 has achieved a situation where Japan's economy is no longer in deflation, or a sustained 
decline in prices. However, the BOJ's price stability  target of 2% inflation has not been achieved. 
Considering this, the Policy Board of the BOJ conducted a comprehensive review on the 
developments in economic activities and prices, as well as on the effects of policies. On the basis 
of the review, the BOJ introduced last September a new policy framework called "Quantitative and 
Qualitative Monetary Easing with Yield Curve Control", which was intended to strengthen the 
policies already under implementation including a negative interest rate.  
2.15.   As for the fisca l policy, Japan implemented its fiscal policies flexibly from the perspectives of 
achieving both economic revitalization and maintaining fiscal soundness. Last August, the 
Government adopted "Economic Measures for Realizing Investment for the Future" with a budget 
of 28 trillion yen (around US$246 billion). These measures will strongly support domestic demand 
and will construct a foundation for mid - and long -term growth of Japan.  
2.16.   Third arrow is growth strategies. Structural reforms in various sectors are un der way. In the 
agriculture and food sector, for example, Japan has been implementing its agricultural reforms to 
enhance competitiveness and productivity. Such reforms are already bearing fruit. Japan has been 
achieving its highest record on food export e very year in the last four consecutive years.  
2.17.   While there are steady outcomes in a number of areas, the structural reforms as a whole 
have not reached a point where activities in the business sector are expanded in a full scale.  
2.18.   To generate a new momentum of growth, Japan will not fear of changes and will continue to 
strongly promote structural reforms.  
Japan's Plan for Dynamic Engagement of All Citizens  
2.19.   In 2015, Prime Minister Abe launched a nationwide policy to tackle the problem of declining 
birth rate and aging population with the targets of:  
1) achieving the largest nominal GDP in post -war history of 600 trillion yen (around US$5.3 
trillion).  
2) achieving the desirable birth rate of 1.8; and  
3) creating the situation where "no one forced to leave their jobs for  nursing care".  
2.20.   In June 2016, specific measures to achieve these targets were announced under the name 
of "Japan's Plan for Dynamic Engagement of All Citizens". Utilizing the fruits of economic growth 
under Abenomics, Japan will strengthen the foundation o f childcare and social security. Japan will 
boost the potential growth rate by expanding labour participation by introducing measures which 
enable people to keep on working with childcare and nursing care. Japan will make its economy 
more robust by further  expanding consumption through wage increases, by expanding private 
investment, evolving its growth strategies and improving its productivity through innovation and WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  participation by a diverse range of the people. In short, Japan seeks to establish a positi ve cycle of 
growth and distribution.  
Japan's trade policies  
2.21.   I now would like to explain Japan's trade policy. There are five points.  
Strengthening the MTS  
2.22.   Firstly, the multilateral trading system under the WTO is a fundamental basis of global trade 
and, t herefore, has been a main pillar of Japan's trade policy. Japan will continue to support the 
multilateral trading system through its active participation in each of the three functions of the 
WTO, namely, monitoring and implementation, dispute settlement a nd negotiations.  
2.23.   As for the negotiating function, for example, Japan put a lot of resources and contributed to 
the conclusion of Information Technology Agreement expansion negotiations, which was done at 
MC10 in Nairobi under the chairmanship of Japan.  
2.24.   Attaining tangible results at MC 11 in December this year will also contribute to enhancing 
the confidence of the WTO in its negotiating function. One of the possible areas would be to update 
the rule book of the WTO which needs to adapt to the changing envir onment of world economy 
and technology. Among others, strengthening rules on electronic commerce and digital trade are 
critical as the digital economy is greatly changing the way the world economy works, where a 
number of different and new ways for doing e -commerce are being developed. Japan remains 
committed to contribute to such discussions. Japan also supports a realistic and incremental 
approach, taking into account specific circumstances that each of the WTO Members is facing.  
2.25.   Japan also would like to emphasize the importance of resuming and concluding the 
negotiations for the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) as well as Trade in Services 
Agreement (TiSA), both of which robust energy and considerable resources have been devoted to 
by participating Mem bers. These plurilateral negotiations are also important for expanding trade, 
advancing global value chains and showing that the WTO's negotiating functions are still alive.  
Fighting Protectionism  
2.26.   Secondly, fighting against protectionism in the world has been an important pillar of Japan's 
trade initiatives. To prevent the spread of protectionism, it is necessary to maintain the 
multilateral trading system, as embodied in the WTO, based on its free and fair trade rules. Since 
the financial crisis in 2008, Japan has been a vocal advocate to making anti -protectionism 
commitment at the leaders' level and has contributed to initiating and maintaining such 
commitment at APEC, G7 and G20.  
Development and Aid for Trade  
2.27.   As my third point, I would like to talk about  trade and development. Japan has taken 
serious steps and initiatives in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development 
Goals (SDGs) both internally and internationally by setting up the SDGs Promotion Headquarters in 
the Government of Japan with the participation of Prime Minister, as its head, and all other 
ministers in the cabinet. As also highlighted in Addis Abeba Action Agenda, Japan sincerely 
believes that an inclusive, sustainable and resilient growth through the expansion of trade and  
investment is indispensable to achieve the goals and targets of SDGs.  
2.28.   Japan is strongly aware of the importance of Aid for Trade plays in assigning 
capacity -building efforts in developing countries, which is essential for expanding trade. By 
providing Ai d for Trade amounting to approximately US$11.8 billion in 2015, Japan is actively 
implementing such support as one of the top donors.  
2.29.   For instance, "Nhat Tan Bridge" which was constructed in Vietnam in 2015 with Japan's 
cooperation has contributed signific antly to shortening the time of transportation between the 
airport and the center of Hanoi. This is one of many examples where Japan extended cooperation 
to Vietnam. We believe such cooperation has significantly contributed to the implementation of WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  Vietnam 's development strategy to increase competitiveness and, thereby, to attract FDIs and to 
expand trade.  
2.30.   Such Japanese cooperation is extended to many other counties. Japan is also taking 
initiatives in development in Africa. At the Sixth Tokyo International  Conference on African 
Development (TICAD VI) which was held in Nairobi last August, one of the priority areas for 
discussion was economic diversification and industrialization. The improvement of business 
environment in Africa was the key component in the  discussion. Consistent with the results of such 
discussions, Japan announced that it would invest approximately US$30 billion for the future of 
Africa. Developing quality infrastructure is envisaged in such an endeavour. Japan also announced 
the launch of  the "Japan -Africa Public -Private Economic Forum" to further promote a business 
friendly environment in Africa.  
2.31.   Regarding the Trade Facilitation Agreement, which recently entered into force, Japan places 
high priority on assisting its implementation in dev eloping countries. Japan has already been 
providing strong support for international harmonization and simplification efforts on customs 
procedures in cooperation with the relevant international organizations such as the World Customs 
Organization (WCO). F or example, Japan has been actively supporting projects such as 
establishing electronic customs procedures and the implementation of a single window system in 
ASEAN as well as the establishment and operation of One -Stop Border Posts (OSBP) in Africa.  
2.32.   With respect to the import from the least developed countries (LDCs), the items eligible for 
duty-free and quota -free market access to Japan has already reached about 98%, which exceeds 
the level agreed in the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration.   
2.33.   Through such a number of measures, Japan continues to contribute to the expansion of 
trade, promoting industrialization and encouraging economic development in developing countries.  
EPA/FTAs and Investment Agreements  
2.34.   Fourthly, I will explain Japan's efforts in promotin g Economic Partnership and Investment 
agreements. As part of activities to maintain and strengthen the multilateral trading system and 
free and fair trade, Japan is promoting negotiations including so -called mega -FTAs.  
2.35.   Negotiations on the Trans -Pacific Par tnership Agreement were among such efforts. Japan 
notified New Zealand, which is designated as the Depositary of the Agreement, of the completion 
of Japan's domestic procedures for the TPP in January. We believe that the rules agreed through 
the TPP negoti ations are expected to be the basis of future economic partnership agreements.  
2.36.   Japan is active in negotiating other EPAs/FTAs. Japan intends to reach an agreement on 
fundamental elements of the Japan -EU EPA negotiations as early as possible. Japan also ai ms to 
create high quality agreements for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and 
the Japan -China -Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement.  
2.37.   With regard to investment agreement, Japan has set a goal of signing and/or achieving 
entry into for ce of investment -related agreements covering 100 countries or regions by 2020. So 
far, 13 economic partnership agreements, including investment chapter, and 29 investment 
agreements have been signed or entered into force.  
Import restrictions on Japanese fo ods 
2.38.   Finally, I would like to touch upon the Great East Japan Earthquake that struck Japan on 
11 March 2011. Six years have passed since then. We appreciate again a variety of cooperation 
from all over the world for our reconstruction efforts.  
2.39.   Regarding the  import restrictions on Japanese foods that had been introduced by a number 
of Members after the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, I am 
happy to share with all of you that most of the measures have been either lifted or rela xed. We 
appreciate those Members that took decisions on an objective and scientific basis. We are hoping 
that those Members still maintaining restrictions also take a science based approach and eliminate 
or ease their restrictive measures soon.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  Closing re marks  
2.40.   In closing, we are witnessing the rise of the sentiment of anti -globalization and 
protectionism in many parts of the world. Since the WTO has played a central role in promoting 
free trade based on rules which are free and fair, the WTO has a mission,  in particular under the 
current circumstances, to maintain and strengthen the multilateral trading system and to deliver a 
message to the world on the importance of free trade and the important role the WTO is playing in 
promoting trade, economic growth a nd prosperity. For our part, Japan is determined to continue to 
play our role within the WTO so that the WTO can achieve its mission.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  It is an honour to have been appointed discussant for the 13th Trade Policy Review of Japan, 
the world's third largest economy and a key partner for the WTO. Japan's Trade Policy Review 
comes at an interesting moment in the global economy and ahead of the WTO's 11th Ministerial 
Conference.  
3.2.  I would like to lend my voice to those comments made just  now by Japan's Permanent 
Representative to the WTO, Ambassador Junichi IHARA in reiterating the importance and value of 
the WTO's Trade Policy Review Mechanism.  
3.3.  Furthermore, I would like to extend a warm welcome Mr. Tomochika UYAMA, who is heading 
the Jap anese delegation for the second time, and to the members of his delegation. Before I start 
my presentation, I would note that my remarks are made strictly in a personal capacity.  
Macroeconomic trends  
3.4.  I will start with some recent economic trends. The econ omic environment continues to 
provide a challenging backdrop since the previous review, nonetheless Japan has held fast with the 
development of an ambitious reform programme.  
3.5.  During the past two Trade Policy Reviews of Japan, we have considered the "three arrows" of 
modern Japanese economic policy, commonly known as "Abenomics". These arrows are directed 
towards three main targets: the first, a monetary policy that takes account of quantitative and 
qualitative monetary easing; a second – fiscal – arrow that  combines a short -term recovery 
strategy with the objective of fiscal consolidation in the medium term; and a third arrow intended 
to restore the potential for growth, with a series of detailed structural reforms.  
3.6.  Two years ago, Members recognized that th e "third" arrow of structural reform would be of 
the most direct interest to the Trade Policy Review Body because it included plans and 
programmes to increase investment, improve productivity, and thus enhance trade. In her 
concluding remarks, the Chair Am bassador Salleh urged Japan to pursue these structural reforms 
without delay, including trade and investment liberalization measures, to achieve strong economic 
growth, encourage private investment, increase productivity, and enhance competitiveness.  
3.7.  The J apanese Government has demonstrated that it is willing to revise and refine its plans to 
meet the challenges it has set itself. Concerning the third "arrow", last year Japan published a 
"Growth Strategy 2016" which aims to grow Japan's GDP to 600 trillion yen through the 
implementation of difficult structural reforms.  
3.8.  Yet the wider macroeconomic challenges which Japan faces are considerable. At Japan's last 
IMF Article IV consultation in 2016, the IMF's Executive Board welcomed the initial success of 
Abenom ics and the authorities' forceful implementation of policies to lift growth and inflation. 
Nonetheless, growth remains subdued and deflationary pressures persist, on the back of, I quote: 
"weak consumption, lacklustre private investment and sluggish export s".  
3.9.  In 2015, global flows of foreign direct investment rose by about 40%, to US$1.8 trillion, the 
highest level since the global economic and financial crisis began in 2008. Global inward FDI flows 
to developed economies almost doubled to US$962 billion. Yet, outward FDI from Japan only 
increased by 13.3% while inward FDI flows into Japan in 2015 decreased.  
3.10.   I will dwell on one element of the "Growth Strategy 2016" which identifies several projects 
ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games. They  aim to showcase Japanese cutting -
edge technologies, so that these technologies can continue to be in practical use after 2020 as a 
legacy of the Tokyo games. It will also be a platform by which to promote tourism activities in 
Japan.  
3.11.   In 2012, the UK hoste d the Olympic and Paralympic games in London. We estimate that the 
long term economic benefits of holding the games at £14.2 billion to date. We have also seen our 
tourism sector continue to break new ground as a result of Games -related promotion activity.   WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  Demographic and societal trends  
3.12.   Recent demographic statistics show that Japan's population peaked in 2010 at just over 
128 million beginning what is projected to be a sustained and increasingly rapid decline. 
Simultaneously, Japan's population is ageing rapidly. From 1950 to 2015, the share of population 
aged 65 and over grew from just under 5% to over 25%. This is the highest such figure, 
worldwide.  
3.13.   Promoting the role of women and the elderly in the workforce will enhance social cohesion 
and reduce Japa n's relative poverty rate. This will in turn help to boost domestic consumption in 
Japan.  
3.14.   In order to meet these challenges, the Government of Japan has created a national plan, 
the "Plan for Dynamic Engagement of All Citizens," which contains a set of amb itious targets. 
These targets are namely:  
 A nominal GDP of ¥600 trillion (which I discussed earlier);  
 The desirable birth rate of 1.8% through improving the provision of child -care and 
promoting gender inclusion to address the projected decrease in the pop ulation; and  
 Zero cases of persons forced to leave their jobs to provide nursing care to elderly relatives 
and increasing the participation of older workers in the work force.  
3.15.   The Government of Japan aims to promote employment of the elderly by raising the  
retirement age to 65 and encouraging businesses to employ those beyond the age of retirement. A 
comprehensive approach to reforms to support healthier ageing, longer careers, more efficient 
healthcare provision and other measures can also help to offset t he impact of Japan's ageing 
population. Ageing can also create new demand as part of the so -called "silver economy".  
3.16.   With regards to gender inclusion, much of the recent increases in the rates of employment 
in Japan have been attributed to the increase in the numbers of women in paid employment. 
However, in 2015, 56% of all female employees were in non -regular employment.  
3.17.   The literacy and numeracy proficiency of Japanese workers is among the highest across 
OECD countries, but many workers, particularly wom en, do not make full use of these skills while 
at work. Underutilisation of these skills also hampers innovation and the adaptation of new 
technologies.  
3.18.   As part of Japan's efforts to create a GDP of 600 trillion yen, the Japanese Government has 
included s everal initiatives to help capitalize on the Fourth Industrial Revolution. But what is the 
Fourth Industrial Revolution? In a termed popularised by the World Economic Forum just across 
the lake, they argue that we are in the midst of a digital revolution c haracterized by the fusion and 
dissemination of technology. The First Industrial Revolution used water and steam power to 
mechanize production in the woollen mills of Northern England. The Second used electric power to 
create mass production typified by Mr . Ford and his Model T's. The Third used electronics and 
information technology to automate production which Japan pioneered from the 1960s.  
3.19.   Like all revolutions, the Fourth Industrial Revolution has the potential to bring incredible 
benefits to the world economy by raising global income levels and improving the quality of life for 
populations around the world. But it is not without its risks as well. It could yield greater 
inequality, particularly in its potential to disrupt labour markets. As manufacturin g processes and 
services sectors are automated, labour and jobs could be displaced and the skills needed to 
perform the remaining work could change dramatically.  
3.20.   These trends demonstrate the need for Japan to invest in areas such as education and 
training which are needed to meet the emerging challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution 
while boosting Japan's growth potential. Japan could also consider further how to take advantage 
of the global labour market.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  Trade policy developments  
3.21.   In his recent spee ch to the Japanese Parliament, Prime Minister Abe said that, I quote: "as a 
standard -bearer of free trade, (Japan) will construct a 21st -century economic system based on fair 
rules". Their actions both in the WTO and elsewhere bear testament to this statem ent. 
3.22.   Over the past two years, Japan has been an active Member of the WTO, playing its role in 
the entry -into-force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement as well as the ongoing negotiations ahead 
of MC11 in Buenos Aires. Japan has also contributed to several plurilateral initiatives such as the 
Government Procurement Agreement, the Information Technology Agreement and the negotiations 
on environmental goods. In particular, I would like to commend Japan for their role in chairing the 
negotiations on the staging  of commitments to the expansion of the ITA, which allowed for 
agreement at the Tenth Ministerial Conference in 2015.  
3.23.   With regard to the existing network of preferential agreements, these are indicated in the 
report by the Secretariat and the statement by Japan. Prime Minister Abe has said that Japan 
remains committed to free trade agreements. Japan has continued to implement its shift towards 
preferential trade agreements since 2012. It now has 16 Economic Partnership Agreements with 
20 countries, up from 14 since the last Review.  
3.24.   But what is a 21st century trade deal? To my mind, it is an agreement that facilitates trade 
in parts and intermediate goods, as well as the accompanying international movement of services, 
capital, data, intellectual property, p eople, and know -how, going beyond the simple trade in 
finished products and beyond merely reducing tariffs. It should also make a full -fledged attempt to 
support solving global issues – such as climate change, environmental protection and labour 
standards – which have intrinsic trade linkages that have been discussed here in Geneva and 
elsewhere for many years.  
3.25.   Japan helped to pioneer many of the innovative features contained in the TPP agreement 
which went some way towards addressing these issues. Whilst I  understand that there is 
uncertainty as to the next steps for the TPP, the published draft agreement offers valuable lessons 
to all of those thinking about future FTAs.  
3.26.   Japan has also played a strong role in overseas development assistance and the Aid -for-
Trade initiative. As part of their flagship programme, the "Tokyo International Conference on 
Africa's Development VI" or TICAD VI, Japan has committed to invest in the future of Africa 
through implementing measures centring on developing quality infrastr ucture, building resilient 
health systems, improving productive capacity and laying the foundations for peace and stability.  
3.27.   The WTO Secretariat noted in its report that the overall orientation of Japan's trade policies 
has remained broadly unchanged since  its previous review in 2015. Japan's tariff regime has 
remained predictable. Japan has a bound average tariff of 3.6% for non -agricultural products and 
16.7% for agricultural products. There is a large variation in the tariff regime, with the highest 
rates and compound tariffs applying to agricultural products which remain persistently high.  
3.28.   During 2013 -15, Japan's ratio of merchandise trade (exports and imports combined) to GDP 
averaged 30%. The share of exports of goods and services in GDP, which has bee n on an upward 
trend since 2011, stood at 17.9% in 2015, while the share of imports stood at 18.9%. Japan 
remains a net importer of services. Currency fluctuations during the review period contributed to 
higher receipts from tourism.  
3.29.   Japan is not a freque nt user of trade defence measures, although the number of 
anti-dumping measures implemented by Japan has increased from 2 in 2014 to 6 in 2016.  
3.30.   In the World Bank's "Doing Business Report" in 2017, Japan came 34th globally (down two 
places from the previou s year). These are barriers which businesses pay close attention to as they 
impact not only the development of new domestic companies but also the trade in services. 
Indeed, many of these concerns mirror those expressed by European businesses in the most 
recent European Business Council in Japan's 2016 white paper.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  3.31.   Among the important linkages between the trade policy framework and the reforms to be 
covered in today and Friday's debate, reflecting the questions raised by Members, I would like to 
draw your a ttention to the following:  
3.32.   Japan's investment regime: many Members have raised questions regarding the restrictions 
in place on Foreign Direct Investment, requesting additional details on initiatives and support 
measures to attract inward FDI, and how Japa n plans to proceed with the National Strategic 
Special Zones and the development of special economic zones abroad.  
3.33.   Customs: Members raised questions on the several systems Japan has in place to expedite 
the release and clearance of goods, including an Auth orized Economic Operator (AEO) programme; 
on the details of the mutual recognition arrangements on AEO programmes; and on the exact 
procedures at the border for different products.  
3.34.   Technical standards and regulations: a number of Members posed questions re lating to the 
harmonization of Japanese technical standards and regulations with international standards as well 
as the intentions of the Japanese Government for those which have not been harmonized.  
3.35.   It is clear that Japan intends to strengthen competitive ness through domestic structural 
reforms and to incorporate new growth engines from abroad, using the pressure and external 
leverage provided by trade negotiations. Some progress to this effect has already been made in 
the agriculture and fisheries sector,  driven in large part by the TPP negotiations. It might be 
useful, I think, for Members to hear more about Japan's experiences in pursuing such reforms, in 
particular how Japan has turned agricultural products, traditionally a defensive area into an 
offens ive interest where agricultural exports from Japan are increasing year on year.  
3.36.   It seems it has become tradition during Japan's Trade Policy Review to quote my 
distinguished predecessor, Ambassador Jonathan Fried, on the importance of Japan, I quote: 
"Japa n Matters" in the international economy and global trade. I cite the world's third highest GDP, 
the second largest overseas investor worldwide, the fourth largest exporter and importer. Japan is 
a leading and active supporter of the international trading s ystem and a strong proponent of 
development assistance. All this remains true today as it did four years ago.  
3.37.   Nonetheless, while some of the challenges we face today are the same as four years ago, 
many are not. The Japanese Government has demonstrated it s willingness to tackle difficult 
reforms in order to meet its stated public policy objectives. It is my hope that over the next two 
days this review will provide an opportunity to examine these reforms in further detail and help 
shape a path for those tha t will be implemented in future.  
3.38.   I wish Japan a successful Trade Policy Review. Thank you.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
AUSTRALIA  
4.1.  Australia and Japan enjoy a mature and extensive trade and economic relationship, 
underpinned by complementary strengths and needs.  Our strong bilateral relationship has been 
further enhanced by the Japan -Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA), which entered 
into force in January 2015. JAEPA is a comprehensive and high -quality agreement that delivers 
new opportunities for tw o-way trade and investment. Utilization of the agreement by Australian 
business is strong, with more than 90% of eligible Australian goods exports to Japan making use 
of tariff preferences. In its consideration of JAEPA in April 2016, the WTO Committee on Regional 
Trade Agreements commented positively on the agreement, noting its inclusion of WTO -plus 
outcomes. JAEPA's ongoing success demonstrates our countries' shared commitment to open 
markets and the benefits that come from the free flow of trade and inv estment.  
4.2.  Japan is Australia's third largest trading partner, second largest export market and Australia 
is Japan's single largest supplier of primary energy, with major exports including coal, Liquefied 
Natural Gas, and iron ore. Major imports from Japan are passenger motor vehicles, refined 
petroleum and goods vehicles. Australia and Japan's two -way trade in services are dominated by 
tourism and transport.  
4.3.  Japan has been a major source of investment for Australia over many decades, which has 
strongly cont ributed to Australia's economic growth. A surge in recent investment resulted in 
Japan becoming Australia's second largest source of Foreign Direct Investment in 2015. Between 
2011 and 2015 Japanese investment in Australia has grown at a rate of almost 15%  per year.  
4.4.  Since Japan's last Review, Australia has continued to work closely with Japan to support the 
multilateral trading system. We welcome Japan's leadership on the implementation of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA), being the sixth Member to ac cept the agreement. We look forward to 
continuing to work with Japan to support the implementation of the TFA by all WTO Members so 
that the full benefits of the agreement can be realized.  
4.5.  We were pleased to work closely with Japan on the successful concl usion of negotiations to 
expand the Information Technology Agreement and thank Japan for its timely implementation of 
its obligations. We welcome our partnership with Japan in the Environmental Goods Agreement 
negotiations as we work towards our shared goa l of liberalizing trade in environmental goods to 
help tackle the world's environmental challenges.  
4.6.  Australia commends Japan's efforts to revitalize its economy through Prime Minister Abe's 
"Abenomics" agenda, and encourages Japan to continue implementing  its structural reform 
agenda, including in agriculture. JAEPA stands as testament to Japan's ability to undertake reform 
in its agriculture sector, and we encourage Japan to continue searching for further opportunities 
for reform.  
4.7.  As strong partners in se curing the peace and prosperity of our region, Australia and Japan 
stand together as advocates of an open global trading system that contributes to inclusive growth. 
Australia looks forward to working cooperatively with Japan in supporting the rules and no rms 
underpinning the multilateral trading system.  In the lead up to MC11 we are confident that Japan 
will show continued engagement and leadership in order to secure valuable outcomes for all 
Members.  
4.8.  Australia asked Japan a large number of written questi ons; we thank Japan for their answers, 
and look forward to reviewing them carefully.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.9.  Thank you for giving me the floor. I also wish to thank the discussant for his incisive 
introduction to the scrutiny of one of the key Members of the WTO. I th ink we can all agree that 
Japan has been a keen supporter of the multilateral trading system. Japan's active engagement in 
the deliberations in virtually all WTO bodies is held in high esteem by all of us. The size of the 
Japanese economy dwarfs that of Sw itzerland by a large measure. And geographically the two WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  countries could not be farther apart. Yet the recent economic histories of Japan and Switzerland 
bear some striking resemblances. Two decades ago, both economies were beset by serious 
difficulties wh en real estate bubbles burst and economic growth was put at risk. This meant that 
the economic framework of both economies had to be reinvigorated. The reforms chosen by the 
two countries have taken different paths ever since.  
4.10.   Japan's own and distinctive r eform effort, symbolized by the three arrows, has been broad 
and far -reaching. Some positive results have already been achieved. We know from our own 
experience that reform measures need time before they come to complete fruition.  
4.11.   The first arrow in the f orm of extraordinary monetary policy measures has yielded some of 
the desired outcomes. The rate of change in the consumer price index has moved back into 
positive territory. It remains to be seen to what extent the additional money injected into the 
econo my will bring about more private spending and induce commercial banks to increase lending 
activities. .  
4.12.   Government spending has certainly stimulated the economy as well. While it is true that the 
second arrow or fiscal policy ought to be conducted in a fl exible manner, it seems equally 
important to do more to create a stable fiscal framework. This with the long -term perspective of 
achieving sustainable public finances.  
4.13.   More structural reforms in line with the third arrow could undoubtedly open up space fo r 
more lending and attract more foreign direct investment as well. Japan has for quite some time 
been an important investor abroad but enjoys a relatively modest inflow of FDI. As the OECD has 
pointed out, this moderate appetite of foreign investors to ven ture into the Japanese economy 
may be attributed to an unclear regulatory environment and a somewhat inflexible and ageing 
labour market.  
4.14.   It has not escaped our attention that the strategy of the third arrow also points at more 
trade liberalization. We sh are Japan's concern about emerging protectionist tendencies. We 
therefore appreciate Japan's determination to continue to place the WTO firmly at the centre of the 
international trade system. Japan has quite usefully complemented this policy by building a 
network of economic partnership agreements.  
4.15.   Switzerland and Japan share a long history of bilateral economic relations which started 
more than a century ago with a first trade agreement. More recently, Japan and Switzerland 
concluded a bilateral trade agr eement which has been in force since 2009. Japan now is 
Switzerland's second largest export market in Asia.  
4.16.   Trading with Japan has also been facilitated by the introduction of Authorized Economic 
Operators or AEOs. We note that frequent use of the concept  has been made in that SMEs account 
for over 40% of all AEOs. We do, however, feel that the overall number of 600 certified AEOs 
seems rather low given the size of the economy.  
4.17.   Before concluding, I would like to commend Japan for having embarked on a long -term 
energy policy which aims at an energy mix of declining fossil fuels and increasing renewable 
energies. This is all the more remarkable since the tragic nuclear accident of 2011 had resulted in 
a sudden, yet inevitable spike in the country's carbon in tensity. At the same time, Japan remains 
committed to the elimination of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. Switzerland very much welcomes 
Japan's support for the G20 peer review process for the reform of fossil fuel subsidies.  
4.18.   Switzerland would like to th ank Japan for having provided detailed answers to the questions 
we had submitted in advance. We look forward to further constructive discussions with the 
delegation of Japan in this trade policy review, but equally with respect to the work undertaken 
together with our Japanese colleagues within the framework of the G10.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  MÉXICO  
4.19.   Nos complace comenzar destacando el positivo crecimiento de la economía japonesa, aun 
cuando la misma no haya alcanzado más que un 0,5% en 2015, debido, entre otros factores, a los 
bajos niveles del consumo interno y de inflación registrados, así como a los estragos de los efectos 
devastadores del terremoto de 2011, que han afectado seriamente sus finanzas.  
4.20.   Japón ha logrado mantenerse como el cuarto mayor exportador e importador de b ienes y 
servicios a nivel mundial, a pesar de que el dinamismo de sus exportaciones haya bajado 
considerablemente, pasando de un crecimiento de 8,3% en 2014 a uno de 2,8 en 2015, en virtud 
principalmente del bajo crecimiento de sus principales socios y de la demanda mundial.  
4.21.   México ve con agrado que los tres ejes de la política económica "Abenomics" - expansión 
monetaria, estímulos fiscales y reformas estructurales - siguen siendo el mecanismo principal para 
combatir la deflación, el problema de envejecimi ento poblacional, mejorar la productividad laboral 
y lograr el objetivo de un PIB de 600 billones de yenes.  
4.22.   Ya en nuestra intervención durante el Décimo Segundo Examen de Japón de 2015, 
señalamos con preocupación que Japón enfrenta desafíos importantes co mo el envejecimiento de 
su población y los altos niveles de su deuda pública, misma que ya supera el 245% del PIB. 
Hacemos votos para que Japón pueda superar estos retos.  
4.23.   Mi delegación felicita al Japón por mantener su economía abierta y por seguir impulsa ndo un 
sistema multilateral de comercio no discriminatorio, basado en reglas, algo en lo que hemos 
colaborado juntos, tanto en la OMC, como en el marco del G20 y en APEC.  
4.24.   Es de hacer notar también que durante el periodo del presente examen, Japón ha 
manten ido muy pocas medidas antidumping y se abstuvo de aplicar medidas compensatorias y de 
salvaguardia.  
4.25.   Japón ha impulsado importantes herramientas para promover la facilitación del comercio, 
como una ventanilla única, entre otras medidas que ponen en aplicac ión el Acuerdo sobre 
Facilitación del Comercio, lo que sin duda contribuyó a que pasara del lugar 49 al lugar 20 en el 
rubro de comercio transfronterizo en el Índice Doing Business del Banco Mundial, y en el apartado 
de pago de impuestos de la posición 122  a la 70, en tan sólo dos años.  
4.26.   Todas las economías de países desarrollados tienen su "talón de Aquiles". Para el Japón, 
éste se ubica en la agricultura, que continúa siendo uno de los sectores más protegidos de su 
economía.  
4.27.   Como ya lo hemos hecho en exá menes anteriores, reiteramos nuestra preocupación por 
este hecho. En primer lugar, el promedio de arancel aplicado para estos productos es del 16,3%; 
es decir, casi cinco veces el de los productos no agrícolas, cuyo promedio es del 3,5%. En segundo 
lugar, los apoyos al sector agrícola siguen siendo de los más elevados, los cuales se concentran en 
los programas de sostenimiento de precios, que son de los más distorsionadores del comercio y la 
producción.  
4.28.   Por lo anterior, instamos al Japón a continuar avanzan do en su reforma y apertura de 
mercados agrícolas, en línea con los objetivos que rigen al sistema multilateral de comercio.  
4.29.   En 2015 Japón fue el segundo mayor inversionista del mundo y es uno de los inversionistas 
más importantes en México. Se estima que  sus inversiones alcanzan los 8,000 millones de dólares 
EE.UU., lo que representa un 65% de la Inversión Extranjera Directa (IED) de los recursos del 
continente asiático dirigidos a mi país. Sobresale el sector automotriz; sin embargo, una encuesta 
recient e realizada por el Banco Japonés para la Cooperación Internacional (Japan Bank for 
International Cooperation), o JBIC, señala a México como el destino preferido fuera de Asia por las 
empresas manufactureras. El 15 de febrero de 2017 llegó el primer vuelo d e la aerolínea japonesa 
ANA, lo que constituye una muestra del crecimiento sostenido que registra nuestra relación 
bilateral.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.30.   El comercio de mercancías entre México y Japón superó los 20 mil millones de dólares 
EE.UU. en 2016. De 2008 a 2016, las exportac iones de México a Japón crecieron en un 84%. 
Contamos con un Acuerdo de Asociación Económica bilateral, el cual estamos en vías de 
profundizar, conforme al mandato derivado del encuentro de nuestros Líderes en el verano de 
2014.  
4.31.   En competencia económica, q uisiéramos destacar positivamente la reforma consistente en 
la introducción de un nuevo procedimiento de apelación y de una nueva audiencia en el 
procedimiento general, así como la obligación de desagregación de nuevos operadores de redes 
móbiles en el sec tor de las telecomunicaciones. No obstante, deseamos subrayar que diversas 
actividades económicas y cárteles se encuentran excluidos de la aplicación de la Ley 
Antimonopolio, como los cárteles de exportación, de actividades empresariales conjuntas y 
cooper ativas agrícolas, entre otros.  
4.32.   Instamos al Japón a dar pasos cada vez más firmes hacia la corrección de este tipo de 
distorsión de la competencia económica.  
4.33.   Concluyo agradeciendo a Japón por las respuestas a las preguntas que fueron formuladas 
por mi dele gación. Deseamos a la delegación japonesa el mejor de los éxitos en su Examen.  
PERÚ  
4.34.   El Perú destaca los esfuerzos que el Gobierno japonés ha venido realizando con miras a 
contrarrestar al impacto negativo de las graves catástrofes naturales que han asolad o algunas 
partes del país en años recientes. De igual manera, saluda la implementación de políticas 
económicas destinadas a renovar la economía y retomar la senda del crecimiento económico, tales 
como la reforma en el sector de la energía, el fomento de la  innovación y las políticas en favor de 
una mejor gobernanza empresarial. El Perú confía en que los esfuerzos puestos en práctica por el 
Gobierno del Japón, aunados al capital humano y técnico de su población, le permitirán alcanzar 
sus objetivos económico s de corto y largo plazo.  
4.35.   En lo que se refiere a la relación bilateral, los lazos oficiales entre el Perú y el Japón son de 
antigua data, pues se iniciaron con el Tratado de Paz, Amistad, Comercio y Navegación suscrito el 
21 de agosto de 1873. El Perú fue  el primer país de América Latina en establecer relaciones 
diplomáticas con el Japón y el primero en Sudamérica en recibir migración nipona con la llegada 
del barco "Sakura Maru" al puerto del Callao el 3 de abril de 1899, en cuyo recuerdo se celebra el 
"Día de la Amistad Peruano Japonesa". En nuestra relación reciente, el Perú tuvo el honor de 
recibir la visita del Primer Ministro Shinzo Abe con motivo de la Cumbre de Líderes de APEC en 
Lima, en noviembre de 2016, ocasión durante la cual se ha relanzado va rios aspectos de la agenda 
de nuestra relación bilateral, como la cooperación en temas de energía y transporte.  
4.36.   En este marco favorable se desarrollan nuestras actuales relaciones comerciales bilaterales. 
El Japón es el quinto destino de nuestras exportac iones, y el segundo socio comercial más 
importante en Asia. En este sentido, nuestro intercambio comercial ascendió a más de 
2600 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 2016. Destacamos igualmente que el Perú y el Japón 
mantienen vigente, desde el 1° de marzo de 20 12, un Acuerdo de Asociación Económica, el cual 
ha generado un marco normativo específico que brinda condiciones favorables para el comercio y 
los negocios entre ambos países, y ha impulsado la agro -exportación no tradicional peruana al 
Japón, particularme nte, de espárragos frescos y congelados, así como de frutas congeladas. 
Asimismo, nuestra delegación resalta la convergencia de intereses con el Japón en la negociación 
de acuerdos comerciales plurilaterales, como ha sido el caso del Trans Pacific Partners hip (TPP) y 
el Trade in Services Agreement (TISA).  
4.37.   Para el presente examen de políticas comerciales, el Perú ha buscado conocer con mayor 
precisión el mecanismo público de implementación del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio en 
el Japón. Asimismo, he mos realizado preguntas sobre los contingentes de importación del Japón 
para determinados productos pesqueros, y sobre la aplicación de sus actuales regulaciones 
antidumping y su sistema de protección de la competencia.  
4.38.   Agradecemos al Japón sus detalladas  respuestas a nuestras preguntas, que serán 
analizadas con detenimiento por las autoridades peruanas competentes.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.39.   Japan has been one of our top three trading partners for decades. We are also amongst the 
top major sources of direct invest ment to each other. There are 1,300 Japanese companies now 
operating in Hong Kong, with more than 200 regional headquarters and 400 regional offices. We 
look forward to fostering even closer economic and trade cooperation with Japan, especially in 
expandin g trade in the services sector.  
4.40.   Turning to some specific aspects of Japan's trade policy, we wish to applaud Japan for being 
the second developed country Member and the sixth WTO Member to ratify the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA). Now that TFA has ent ered into force, we encourage Japan to continue improving 
its customs procedures. We appreciate Japan's initiative, for instance, to develop the Authorized 
Economic Operator programme, and are pleased to see its improved ranking in the World Bank's 
Trading  Across Borders index. We stand ready to work with Japan and all WTO Members in 
ensuring a more transparent and predictable trading environment through effective 
implementation of the TFA.  
4.41.   We commend Japan for its predictable tariff regime, with a binding coverage of more than 
98% and a negligible difference between the average bound and applied rates. We note, however, 
that tariffs for agriculture products are relatively high, and so are those for some industrial goods 
such as footwear and headgear, which are not included in the GSP scheme either.  
4.42.   Moreover, 7.6% of Japan's tariff lines share international tariff peaks exceeding 15%. We 
encourage Japan to reduce tariff peaks and to simplify its tariff structure.  
4.43.   In agriculture, we note that there have not been any major changes to Japan's market 
access and domestic support measures since the last review. The support and protection given to 
this sector remain high, and are provided through a comprehensive set of policy measures not 
limited to tariffs. While we fully appreciate that agriculture is a sensitive sector for Japan, we 
encourage Japan to review its existing market access measures, with a view to moving towards a 
more liberalized trade regime.  
4.44.   We also note that Japan has not yet submitted its latest notification of domestic support in 
agriculture to the WTO. We encourage Japan to bring its notifications up to date in a timely 
manner for the sake of transparency.  
4.45.   As regards services, we appreciate that the sector in Japan is broadly open to competition . 
Hong Kong, China (HKC) looks forward to closer cooperation with Japan to pursue continuous and 
progressive liberalization of trade in services.  
4.46.   Indeed, within the WTO, Japan and HKC have been constructive partners in various contexts 
including as FANs in  Rules, as co -sponsors of e -commerce proposals, and as parties to plurilateral 
negotiations. Together with many other WTO Members, we concluded the expanded Information 
Technology Agreement, the benefits of which are shared with all WTO Members by virtue o f the 
MFN principle. We look forward to the early implementation of the expansion agreement in Japan, 
so that these benefits can be realized.  
4.47.   While on WTO work, my delegation also wishes to congratulate Ambassador Ihara on being 
elected Chairman of the Di spute Settlement Body, which is a testimony to the high regard he 
receives from the membership, and a recognition of his leadership and contribution to this 
Organization.  
4.48.   HKC has posed a number of written questions in connection with the current trade pol icy 
review. We are grateful for Japan's responses and will consider them carefully. We also look 
forward to continuing this useful discussion over the next two days, and wish Japan a very 
successful trade policy review.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  CANADA  
4.49.   Japan plays a key role in th e Canadian economy as our 4th largest trading partner and as 
our top Asian investor. Relations between our two countries are deep and multi -faceted and 
strengthening our bilateral ties is a priority for our Government.  
4.50.   Today, Japan is a leader in manufact uring and innovation and it is a key actor in many 
global value chains. The remarkable economic success that it has enjoyed since the mid -20th 
century is a testament to the transformative power of sound trade and economic policy.   
4.51.   However, Japan also face s serious economic and demographic challenges. Japanese decision 
makers are keenly aware of these challenges and, to address them, have put in place a series of 
ambitious policy measures focused on monetary, fiscal, and structural reforms, known as 
"Abenom ics". 
4.52.   Canada is following Abenomics with interest, especially the implementation of structural 
reforms, which if successful, will lead to more open markets, a more efficient allocation of 
resources and greater competition. This will benefit both Japan and its trading partners. Canada's 
statement will focus on these positive structural reforms as well as Japan's trade negotiating 
agenda, and areas where Japan could improve its trade policy.  
4.53.   First, Canada would like to recognize the leadership that Japan has shown in promoting free 
and open markets. At a time of uncertainty for the global trading system, it is important for 
countries like Japan and Canada to demonstrate a renewed commitment to the WTO and to 
ensuring the free -flow of goods, investment, and ser vices. In this regard, Canada and Japan have 
invested significant effort in negotiating a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and we 
look forward to resuming our negotiations, which would demonstrate to the world our respective 
commitments to fr ee trade.  
4.54.   We welcome Japan's ambitious trade negotiations agenda, including bilateral and regional 
initiatives as well as its many contributions to the ongoing work of this Organization. From the 
foresight that it has demonstrated in advancing discussions  on e-commerce, to its robust 
participation in plurilateral WTO negotiations, to its persistent contribution to the day -to-day work 
of WTO committees, Japan has demonstrated the considerable strength of its commitment to the 
multilateral trading system. We  wish to congratulate Ambassador Ihara on his well -deserved 
appointment as Chairperson of the DSB and look forward to working with him both in that role and 
in his subsequent capacity as Chairperson of the General Council.   
4.55.   Second, on this International W omen's Day, Canada commends Japan's efforts to increase 
the participation of women in the workforce. Not only do these efforts help to address labour 
shortages, and increase the number of well -paid consumers, they also serve to enhance diversity 
which will  bring fresh ideas and creativity to boardrooms. Japan's "Womenomics" programme has 
addressed some of the specific challenges faced by Japanese women and will encourage them to 
make a greater contribution to Japan's economy.   
4.56.   Finally, Canada welcomes the steps that Japan has taken to deregulate its electricity and 
gas sectors. Full deregulation will create further opportunities for international partnerships and 
collaboration between Japanese and foreign firms.  
4.57.   While we welcome these positive economic and  trade policy developments, allow us to 
highlight three areas where further improvements could be made: agriculture, government 
procurement, and forestry. These areas are a focus of some of our questions and also appear to be 
of interest to other Members.   
4.58.   In agriculture, although we welcome recent reform initiatives, including those impacting the 
structure of Japan's agricultural cooperatives system, Canada encourages Japan to continue its 
efforts toward liberalizing trade and to improve market access for  agricultural products. For 
instance, reducing agricultural tariffs and limiting the extensive support and protection that is 
provided to agricultural producers would contribute to Japan's objective of improving the 
competitiveness of this sector.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.59.   Regardi ng government procurement, the Secretariat report notes that foreign participation 
was only 3% in 2014. Canada encourages Japan to revise its current procedures and practices to 
allow for more transparency and competition in its procurement tenders at all levels of 
government.  
4.60.   Finally, Canada notes Japan's introduction of the Legal Wood Use Promotion Law, which is 
expected to enter into force in May of this year. Canada shares the objective of reducing trade in 
illegally harvested forest products. We encour age Japan to work with countries that have extensive 
experience in Sustainable Forest Management, such as Canada, to ensure that the new legislation 
meets its objective, but does not become an inadvertent trade barrier.  
4.61.   In closing, Canada would like to rec ognize the vital role that Japan plays at the WTO 
specifically and on the global stage generally. We look forward to continuing to partner with Japan 
on a range of trade and other initiatives.  
4.62.   Canada is looking forward to a constructive exchange of views on all aspects of Japan's 
economy, and we wish the Japanese delegation every success during this review.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
4.63.   The Republic of Moldova appreciates Japan's constructive role in the WTO and its active 
participation in the negotiations on expand ing the scope of the Information Technology 
Agreement. We would also like to congratulate Japan on its ratification of the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement in June 2015, shortly after its previous Trade Policy Review.  
4.64.   The Government's three -pillar strategy of monetary policy, fiscal stimulus, and structural 
reforms (in areas such as agriculture, energy, and healthcare) launched in 2013 continues to be 
the main strategic framework for existing deflation and revitalizing the country's economy, 
especially by upgra ding corporate governance, enhancing labour flexibility and mobility, promoting 
venture capital investment and improving policies for small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs).  
4.65.   Despite the challenging and uncertain economic environment, since the last TPR,  Japan had 
a stable yet modest economic performance, with a GDP growth of only 0.5% in 2015, due to the 
deteriorating purchase power and fall in private consumption. In this sense, we support Japan's 
decision to abstain from a further consumption tax rise until October 2019.  
4.66.   In 2015, the stock of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) remained at around 4% of 
GDP. Japan maintains a general policy of attracting and strengthening FDI.  
4.67.   Japan's legislative and institutional framework regarding anti -dumping, cou ntervailing, and 
safeguard measures has remained largely unchanged since its previous review. However, Japanese 
Government took several steps in 2015 to grant tax incentives to innovative basic research 
activities, a significant share of the programmes is dedicated to regional development efforts for 
areas recovering from the tsunami and nuclear disaster.  
4.68.   On the procurement side, we welcome Japan's amendment introducing a "multiple bidding 
system", where two or more companies can bid on a project if one com pany cannot supply the full 
amount of the order alone. We see this measure as increasing SMEs efficiency and profitability, 
which is a main aspect of the Government Procurement Agreement.  
4.69.   Japan has several systems in place to expedite the release and clear ance of goods, including 
an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme. In this context, the Republic of Moldova 
expresses its interest to initiate the bilateral negotiations on the mutual recognition arrangements 
(MRAs) on Authorized Economic Operator i n order to facilitate trade relationship and generally 
make it more sustainable.  
4.70.   The Republic of Moldova has addressed 5 questions regarding to Paragraphs 3.31 and 3.60 
of the Secretariat report on the Trade Policy Review of Japan, especially with regards to 
compliance with the amended TRIPS Agreement, as well as to strengthening the protection of IPR 
of small and medium -sized enterprises. We thank the Japanese side for the answers provided to 
our questions.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.71.   We state with satisfaction an unprecedented deepe ning of the Moldovan -Japanese relations 
in the period under review. We welcome the opening, for the first time ever, of the Embassy of the 
Republic of Moldova in Tokyo in April 2016, along with opening of the Embassy of Japan in 
Chisinau in May 2016. Undou btedly, these steps will further strengthen our already increasing 
bilateral trade volumes and spheres of cooperation.  
4.72.   Moldova is ready to work with Japan, especially with a view to expand export of Moldovan 
products, particularly Moldovan wine, to the Jap anese market.  
4.73.   The volume of bilateral trade has been modest in 2015 -2016, exports accounting to 
US$1.3  million, while imports accounting to US$42 million, with clearly a negative trade balance 
for the Republic of Moldova. Moldova is mostly exporting wine products, carpets and textiles, while 
importing electronics from Japan.  
4.74.   May I take this opportunity to express gratitude for the considerable technical and financial 
assistance provided by the Government of Japan, through JICA programs, KUSANONE and 2KR, i n 
agriculture, health, education and culture sectors, Japan being the third largest donor of Moldova, 
following the United States and the European Union.  
4.75.   We are convinced that there is still a great potential to be explored in the fields of bilateral 
trade  and investments, especially by means of gradually liberalizing the visa regime between the 
two countries, starting with economic agents and mutual recognition of the Authorized Economic 
Operators  
4.76.   The Republic of Moldova is confident that the 13th exercise  of the trade policy review will 
help Japan achieve its economic objectives and fully honor its international commitments.  
4.77.   We look forward to continue further strengthening our bilateral relations with Japan and, we 
wish to the Japanese delegation the utmo st success during this trade policy review cycle.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.78.   I am pleased to note that the bilateral economic relations between Korea and Japan remain 
strong. In 2016, Japan and Korea was each other's third largest trading partner, with bilateral 
trade reaching US$71.9 billion. With respect to FDI, Japan was the second largest foreign investor 
in Korea with US$1.3 billion, and Korea's outbound investment to Japan amounted to 
US$530  million. All these figures demonstrate a very close economic partners hip that we hope will 
continue to grow and develop in the future.  
4.79.   Turning to Japan's overall economic performance since its last TPR, I wish to commend the 
efforts of the Government of Japan towards revitalizing its economy amid the overall global 
economic  downturn and increasing uncertainty. Needless to say, in order to get the global 
economy back on track, major economies such as Japan must regain their full strength and vitality 
as soon as possible.   
4.80.   As the Secretariat report notes, Japan's expansionary  economic policies alone have been 
insufficient to achieve strong economic growth. We welcome that Japan has carried out substantial 
structural reforms since 2013. While sharing the view that far -reaching structural reforms are 
necessary to address Japan's  long-standing problems such as high public debt, a rapidly aging 
population, high cost of doing business and regulatory barriers, we hope that Japan will continue 
to take steps toward structural reform, including further trade and investment liberalizatio n and 
measures to stimulate competition.  
4.81.   We note that Japan has been actively participating in bilateral Free Trade Agreements such 
as the ones with Australia, the EU and Canada, as well as regional trade agreements such as TPP, 
RCEP, and CJK (China -Japan -Korea) Free Trade Agreement. I would like to appreciate these 
efforts; and I hope they will contribute to further liberalization of Japanese trade policy in general.  
4.82.   Japan's overall simple average MFN tariff rate was as low as 6.1% in 2016. Despite this 
apparently liberal tariff regime, Korean exporters have experienced significant difficulties in 
accessing to the Japanese market. This is largely due to Japan's NTBs that range from domestic WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  regulations, TBT and SPS measures to complicated business practice s. Korea remains keen to work 
with Japan to address those issues.  
4.83.   We have submitted advance written questions to Japan. The questions posed by my 
delegation range from Japan's government procurement to some of its policies on foreign 
ownership applying to TV broadcasting companies. Our questions also touch upon intellectual 
property -related issues. We thank the Japanese delegation for providing answers to those 
questions, which we will review carefully.  
4.84.   Finally, my delegation notes with satisfaction Japan's  commitment to the multilateral trading 
system embodied in the WTO, and its strong support for and participation in the current 
negotiations ahead of MC -11. Korea will continue to work closely with Japan in a constructive 
manner for the shared goal of a su ccessful MC -11. I would like to conclude by expressing my 
sincere appreciation to the Japanese delegation for its hard work and wishing Japan every success 
in its TPR. Thank you.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.85.   Japan is a vital strategic and economic partner to the United S tates, and a key nation in 
world trade. As the Secretariat report notes, Japan is the world's fourth -largest exporter and 
importer of goods and services. President Trump and Prime Minister Abe held their first official 
meeting in Washington DC last month a nd in their Joint Statement affirmed their strong 
determination to strengthen the U.S. -Japan economic relationship. They noted that "the United 
States and Japan represent 30% of the world's GDP and share an interest in sustaining a strong 
global economy, e nsuring financial stability, and growing job opportunities". The leaders 
"emphasized that they remain fully committed to strengthening the economic relationships 
between their two countries and across the region, based on rules for free and fair trade". Al so, 
they "reaffirmed their intent to continue cooperation in regional and global fora".  
4.86.   Within the WTO, the United States highly values its close working relationship with the 
Government of Japan. In the two years since the last Trade Policy Review, Japan has continued to 
undertake structural reforms to boost domestic growth to the benefit of Japan and the entire 
global trading community. The United States applauds these efforts. But, unfortunately, Japan's 
economic performance remained sluggish, with real GDP contracting by 0.03% in 2014 and 
expanding only by 0.5% in 2015, as the Secretariat's Report notes. Likewise, despite efforts to 
attract foreign investment, in 2015 the stock of inward foreign direct investment remained at 
about 4% of GDP, which contin ues to be low compared to other major developed economies. The 
Japanese Government has set a goal of doubling inward foreign direct investment by 2020 that, 
while certainly ambitious, will likely prove difficult to achieve.  
4.87.   Meaningful structural reforms in  Japan will help address global trade imbalances. In this 
regard, the U.S. goods trade deficit with Japan was US$68.9 billion in 2016, second only to China. 
This ongoing goods deficit remains of serious concern to the United States. Prime Minister Abe has 
highlighted a number of areas for reform, including ones relating to corporate governance, medical 
care, and labor markets. We remain hopeful that the Abe administration also will continue to 
undertake ambitious domestic regulatory reforms to create new ec onomic opportunities and 
further open its economy.  
4.88.   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, re duce unnecessary regulation, and remove other non -tariff barriers to trade.  
4.89.   In particular, the United States has expressed strong concerns for years about the overall 
lack of access to Japan's automotive market for U.S. automotive companies, due to non -tariff 
barriers. A variety of non -tariff barriers impede access to Japan's automotive market (such as 
issues relating to certification; unique standards and testing protocols; and hindrances to the 
development of distribution and service networks). These non -tariff barriers have had the 
long-term effect of excluding and disadvantaging U.S. manufacturers in the Japanese market. The 
United States urges Japan to remove non -tariff barriers that impede U.S. manufacturers' ability to 
compete on a level playing field  with their Japanese competitors, both in the area of automobiles 
and beyond.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.90.   Another priority for the United States is agriculture. Although Japan is the fourth -largest 
single -country market for U.S. agricultural products, substantial market access barrie rs still 
remain. Prime Minister Abe has pursued serious reforms aimed at increasing the efficiency and 
competitiveness of this sector. Nevertheless, as the Secretariat report observes, Japanese 
agriculture remains highly protected, with some of the highest  import tariffs in this sector, and 
imports of certain key agricultural products are carried out by state trading enterprises.   
4.91.   Finally, the United States urges Japan to ensure transparent and fair opportunities for 
foreign companies to compete for govern ment procurement contracts. According to the Secretariat 
report, in 2014 foreign participation in Japan's government procurement remained about three 
percent in value.  
4.92.   The United States welcomes Japan's support for expanding global trade and supports 
concr ete measures by Japan to contribute to this goal by undertaking further, aggressive 
structural reform and further market opening at home. The United States looks forward to 
continued close cooperation with the Government of Japan in working towards that go al. 
COLOMBIA  
4.93.   Quisiera comenzar agradeciendo el gran aporte que Japón hace a esta Organización, y en 
general, al comercio a nivel mundial. Sabemos que la economía japonesa afronta importantes 
retos internos como la contracción de la demanda, el envejecimien to de su población, y la 
disminución en el nivel de crecimiento, y vemos con agrado que muchas de sus estrategias han 
sido orientadas a impulsar una mayor apertura. Creemos que este es un ejemplo digno de imitar.  
4.94.   Japón contribuye continuamente con el sist ema multilateral a través de una participación 
activa en los diferentes procesos que se adelantan en la OMC. Tuvo un papel clave en la 
negociación del Acuerdo de Tecnologías de la Información (ATI) y también es uno de los líderes del 
actual proceso de ampl iación (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 Reforma del ADPIC, y también de la versión revisada del Acuerdo de Contratación 
Pública (ACP).  
4.95.   Quisiera adicionalmente destacar tres aspectos de su participación en la OMC. El primero es 
su alto nivel de consolidación en el acceso de bienes y servicios, pues en materia arancelaria 
consolidó el 98,2% del universo de produ ctos y en Servicios tiene compromisos en 10 de los 
12 Sectores en sus Listas del AGCS. El segundo aspecto, es que la consolidación arancelaria 
mantiene un sistema de compromisos NMF que Japón también extiende a la mayoría de países por 
fuera de la OMC. Y e l tercero, es la amplia implementación del Sistema General de Preferencias 
(SGP) pues Japón mantiene preferencias para 137 países en desarrollo y siete territorios 
(incluyendo todos los PMA) que abarcan el 98% de las líneas arancelarias de los productos 
originarios de esos países.  
4.96.   Sin embargo, este compromiso con el sistema internacional de comercio no se aplica en 
todos los sectores por igual y el tema agrícola continúa siendo el más sensible. En materia de 
ayuda interna, la más reciente notificación pres entada por Japón es del año 2012. Por ello, 
deseamos aprovechar el presente examen de política para hacer un llamado a que Japón actualice 
esta información tanto como sea posible.  
4.97.   Adicionalmente, dado el nivel de protección a la agricultura aplicado por J apón, en particular 
sobre el tipo de medidas de ayuda interna y acceso a mercados para productos específicos, este es 
un sector de la economía en el que Japón puede aún avanzar para generar mayor apertura y 
dinamizar el comercio internacional, con benefici os para muchos países en desarrollo.  
4.98.   Queremos también hacer mención sobre el régimen de inversiones japonés, un tema de 
creciente interés en esta Organización. Japón siempre se ha destacado por ser una de las 
principales fuentes de inversión en el mundo. Sin embargo, su desempeño como receptor de 
inversión no es igualmente sobresaliente. Según el informe de inversiones más reciente de 
UNCTAD, mientras Japón fue el segundo exportador de capitales en 2015, no figura dentro de los 
20 primeros receptores de in versión en el mundo. Adicionalmente, el reporte Doing Business 2017 WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  del Banco Mundial ubica a ese país en el puesto 34 dentro de 189 economías analizadas acerca de 
la facilidad de hacer negocios.  
4.99.   Esto ha hecho que Japón haya reforzado su estrategia de "fac ilitación de inversiones" con 
diferentes iniciativas como reformar la reglamentación para mejorar el entorno empresarial, 
aprobar medidas de apoyo a la inversión, fomentar las "zonas especiales estratégicas nacionales", 
y mejorar el sistema de solución de conflictos laborales. Sin duda son acciones específicas para las 
condiciones japonesas y las autoridades consideran que esto les ayudará a cumplir la meta de 
duplicar los niveles de inversión extranjera recibida en 2014 antes de finalizar el año 2020. 
Creemos importante tener presente esta estrategia como un ejemplo para la facilitación de 
inversiones.  
4.100.   El último aspecto sobre el que me voy a pronunciar es la política de competencia, un tema 
de gran importancia para la participación de empresas extranjeras en la economía local. Según el 
informe de la Secretaría, en 2015 entró en vigor un gran cambio en el reglamento que mejora los 
procedimientos de audiencia e introduce un nuevo procedimiento de apelación. Sin embargo, un 
aspecto a revisar es que aún se mant ienen excepciones al régimen general de competencia para 
algunas actividades como los seguros, el transporte marítimo internacional, la aviación, las 
pequeñas empresas, y la exportación de productos, entre otros.   
4.101.   Quisiera finalizar 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 relacionamiento comercial con Japón y 
esperamos que próximamen te 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 Ihara y a su 
misión a contin uar su rol activo al interior de la OMC en pro de un mejor funcionamiento del 
sistema multilateral de comercio.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.102.   Japan is an important strategic and economic partner of the European Union and a key 
player in the global trading system. We high ly value the good cooperation between the EU and 
Japan.  
4.103.   As acknowledged in the Secretariat report, the overall orientation of Japan's trade policies 
has remained broadly unchanged since its previous review in 2015. On that occasion, the Chair 
underlined th e importance of the structural reforms implemented by Japan under the third arrow 
of Abenomics aimed at increasing investment, improving productivity, and enhancing trade.  
4.104.   However, after two years, while Abenomics succeeded in boosting expectations and 
stimulating the Japanese economy, a number of structural impediments remain and make it 
difficult for Japan to achieve strong sustained growth.  
4.105.   While the EU acknowledges the progress made by Japan in the areas of energy, corporate 
governance and the on -going  reforms in agriculture, we note that concerns remain regarding the 
deregulation in a number of economic sectors. Further efforts are needed to improve the business 
environment. We look with interest at the concrete measures that Japan will adopt for the 
implementation of the latest growth strategy package adopted in June 2016, in particular in 
relation to further regulatory reforms.  
4.106.   A word on our bilateral relationship with Japan. The EU and Japan continue to work closely 
on a wide range of issues ranging  from economic, trade and investment matters to regional 
security, development, disaster relief and management, human rights, energy and environment, 
social policy and science and technology. The negotiations of a highly ambitious Free Trade 
Agreement and of a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Japan remain a priority for the European 
Union. The negotiations are now mature and both the EU and Japan are committed to concluding 
these agreements as soon as possible. The EU expects Japan to demonstrate throug h the FTA its 
commitment to open trade, including on agriculture.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.107.   At a multilateral level, I would like to compliment Japan for its leadership and constructive 
role in this Organisation and in the multilateral trading system more generally. The EU fully ag rees 
with Japan on the need to strengthen and maintain the multilateral trading system, which forms 
the basis of global trade and helps fight the rise of protectionism around the world. The EU also 
praises Japan's support to the WTO's peer review system of  Trade Policy Review and Trade 
Monitoring. Having said that, we regret that, after having worked closely on the negotiation of the 
expansion of Information and Technology Agreement, Japan is one of the few members that have 
not yet implemented the agreemen t. The EU urges Japan to implement the agreement without any 
further delays.  
4.108.   As already stated, the EU acknowledges Japan's continued efforts to facilitate trade and 
foreign investment, however, in the EU's view further actions would be necessary in some 
following areas.  
4.109.   First, the EU notes the improvements of Japan's regulatory environment during the period 
under review. While the progress is commendable, there are still non -tariff measures, especially 
concerning SPS or TBT matters that are awaiting reso lution.  
4.110.   To start with SPS approval procedures, the EU notes certain discrepancies between the 
Japanese legislation and relevant international standards. Regarding regionalisation, unjustifiably, 
Japan continues to impose country -wide bans on EU Member Sta tes when an animal disease 
outbreak occurs (e.g. African Swine Fever, Avian Influenza). The EU urges Japan to accelerate the 
speed of its approval procedures and to assure that its SPS measures are based on science and 
are fully consistent with internation al standards.  
4.111.   On TBT matters, the EU notes that the Japanese Government has taken the decision to 
make better use of international standards. Recent areas of progress concern textiles labelling, 
regulations applicable to passenger cars and pharmaceuticals . More progress is needed to address 
the further requirements set by some domestic standards that go beyond international practices.  
4.112.   Second, the EU considers that Japan should put more efforts into creating a solid and 
predictable framework to facilitate foreign investment and improve corporate governance.  
4.113.   Third, on services, the EU notes that regulations remain overly opaque in a number of 
sectors such as air and maritime transport services.    
4.114.   Finally, the EU notes that improvements are still lacking in  the area of public procurement 
where insufficient transparency and cumbersome administrative procedures appear to be 
prevalent, in particular at local level.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.115.   Costa Rica se complace en participar en este Examen de Políticas Comerciales de Japón.  
Japón es un socio comercial importante para Costa Rica y con quien compartimos iniciativas e 
intereses comunes. Japón es uno de nuestros mayores socios comerciales en Asia, representando 
el segundo origen de nuestras importaciones de esa región y el prime r destino de nuestras 
exportaciones.  
4.116.   Costa Rica quisiera reconocer el papel de Japón en la OMC, su liderazgo y apoyo decidido 
al sistema multilateral de comercio, y su valiosa contribución al programa de ayuda para el 
comercio. Al igual que Japón, Costa R ica participa en iniciativas como la ampliación del Acuerdo 
sobre Tecnologías de Información (ITA), el Acuerdo sobre el Comercio de Servicios (TISA) y el 
Acuerdo sobre Bienes Ambientales (EGA).  
4.117.   Costa Rica además comparte con Japón intereses en temas como e l fortalecimiento de las 
normas de la OMC, en particular en materia de medidas antidumping, el Examen del 
Entendimiento de Solución de Diferencias, y más recientemente el impulso al comercio electrónico.  
4.118.   En relación con el Examen específicamente, rescatamo s los esfuerzos realizados por Japón 
para implementar reformas estructurales, con el fin de incrementar la población activa y mejorar 
el marco de la gobernanza empresarial.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.119.   A pesar de que la política económica del gobierno actual (la llamada abenomía) no h a 
cumplido con todos los objetivos trazados, sí existe progreso en áreas claves como las utilidades 
de las empresas, los ingresos, la tasa de empleo nacional y en particular la tendencia deflacionaria 
que por varios años fue característica de la economía j aponesa.   
4.120.   Son de resaltar también los nuevos pilares introducidos por la abenomía, que reflejan 
valores humanos a los que todos deberíamos aspirar, como son la solidaridad y la inclusividad 
social. Tal y como lo menciona Japón en su informe, todos tenemos  una función útil que cumplir en 
la vida, ya sea en el hogar, en los lugares de trabajo o en cualquier otro lugar. Es admirable que 
se incluyan estos objetivos dentro de la política económica de Japón y por ende le deseamos 
mucho éxito en lograr una mayor incorporación de todos sus ciudadanos dentro de su sociedad.  
4.121.   Otro aspecto que nos llama la atención es la nueva Política Energética del Japón y sus 
perspectivas a futuro. De conformidad con las previsiones para el 2030, Japón incrementaría 
notablemente su suministro de energías renovables, las que llegarían a representar alrededor del 
14% del suministro total de energía. Esto contribuiría de forma importante a reducir la gran 
dependencia actual que tiene Japón en la importación de combustibles fósiles. Sobr e este último 
punto, sería interesante conocer si Japón tiene previsto impulsar reformas a las subvenciones a los 
combustibles fósiles y si ha considerado someterse en el corto plazo al proceso de revisión 
voluntaria establecido por el G20 en este campo.  
4.122.   A pesar de los aspectos positivos anteriormente resaltados, nos sigue preocupando el 
elevado nivel de protección al sector agrícola, el cual se manifiesta a través de diferentes medidas 
como los altos aranceles, los contingentes arancelarios, las políticas de ayuda interna y el 
sostenimiento de precios del mercado. En ese sentido, seguiremos con interés los pasos que está 
dando Japón hacia un comercio agrícola orientado al mercado y para aumentar la competitividad y 
la productividad de este sector a largo pl azo. 
4.123.   En el marco de este Examen de Políticas Comerciales, Costa Rica presentó a Japón algunas 
preguntas sobre varios elementos de su política comercial. Quisiera agradecer la atención que 
Japón ha dado a estas preguntas, y concluir mi intervención deseándo le muchos éxitos en este 
Examen de Políticas Comerciales.  
MALAYSIA  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN  
4.124.   ASEAN and Japan has a long standing and mutually beneficial relationship having become 
dialogue partners 44 years ago. Since then, ASEAN and Japan have established the AS EAN-Japan 
Comprehensive Economic Partnership in 2008 which serves to further strengthen our trade and 
investment ties leading to immense growth in both areas.  
4.125.   In this regard, Japan ranked as ASEAN's second largest trading partner as well as our 
second lar gest source of FDI in 2015, as merchandise trade between ASEAN and Japan valued at 
US$239.40 billion, accounting for 10.5% of ASEAN's total trade, and Foreign direct investment 
inflows from Japan registered at US$17.4 billion and accounted for 14.5% of tot al FDI inflows into 
ASEAN.  
4.126.   We look forward to further strengthening trade and investment relations with Japan, as 
both sides, along with five other dialogue partners of ASEAN intensify our pursuit of a modern, 
comprehensive, and high -quality trade agreeme nt in the Regional Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership (RCEP) negotiations. We believe that RCEP will broaden the current economic 
engagement that has already been achieved through the existing ASEAN+1 FTAs.  
4.127.   ASEAN appreciates Japan's active role in the Mul tilateral Trading System, including 
participating in the regular work of the WTO as well as assuming a key role in various negotiations. 
We look forward to working closely with Japan to ensure deliverables at the 11th Ministerial 
Conference in Buenos Aires .  
4.128.   Some of the ASEAN Members have submitted written questions to Japan and would like to 
thank Japan for their written responses.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  MALAYSIA  
4.129.   We also associate ourselves with the statement made earlier on behalf of ASEAN.  
4.130.   Malaysia commends the Government of  Japan's efforts to pursue its economic revival 
policy, which prioritizes policy coordination to meet the challenges facing the Japanese economy 
since its last trade policy review. We note the efforts to strengthen its economy through the 
3 pillars which i nclude the Japan Revitalization Strategy to stimulate the economy.  
4.131.   We recognize Japan's deep commitment to the multilateral trading system and we look 
forward to a strong leadership from Japan and other key Members to enable WTO Members 
particularly develo ping ones to obtain meaningful outcomes from the Eleventh Ministerial 
conference. Japan has also played a crucial role in the WTO with its commitments and contribution 
made to the WTO's Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund (DDAGTF) which provides 
training to members in understanding and implementing the WTO Agreements.  
4.132.   Japan's commitment at the WTO is also demonstrated through the expanded Information 
Technology Agreement (ITA2) and we welcome her efforts to amend the WTO Schedules under the 
1980 Proce dures, as well as swift implementation of the agreement. We also take this opportunity 
to commend Japan for being one of the early members ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
(TFA), which entry into force on 22 February shows a strong commitment by Members to the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.133.   Noting the importance of transparency in the multilateral trading system, we note that 
Japan has made tremendous efforts in ensuring her notification on SPS measures have been made 
regularly and to date there ar e 508, of which 97 has been made since 2015, of which has been 
made in line the relevant international standards. Such efforts demonstrate the utilization of the 
transparency mechanism under the MTS to ensure Members are kept to date with the trade 
regime.  
4.134.   While also pursuing Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), at both bilateral and 
regional levels, and plurilateral trade agreements. Malaysia shares the view such EPAs and 
plurilateral agreements provides mutually beneficial economic opportunities to our  industries and 
help reinforce the competitiveness of its industries. These progressive EPAs thus in parallel help 
bring about positive impacts on the multilateral trade system.  
4.135.   Malaysia notes that, efforts have been undertaken on structural reforms in are as such as 
tax, competition policy, price control, corporate governance, standards and technical regulations 
among others. We look forward to receiving information on the latest progress on Japan's 
structural reform initiatives.  
4.136.   While improvements have bee n made in various sectors, we have sought clarification in 
several areas such Japan's amendment to the Customs Law and its tax regime. We also look for 
further clarification to Japan's new efficiency standards and the requirement to meet WTO related 
intern ational standards. These are among the additional questions that we will be submitting to 
Japan.  
4.137.   Malaysia and Japan have long standing economic ties. Although bilaterally, there was a 
decrease by 11.6% in total trade in 2016 compared to the previous year, Japan remains as 
Malaysia's 4th largest global trading partner. Total trade between Malaysia and Japan amounted to 
almost US$29 billion.  
4.138.   Japan also continues to be Malaysia's top source of foreign direct investments since the 
1980s. As at 2015 total inves tments of almost US$27 billion in areas such as Chemicals & 
Chemical Products, Electronics & Electrical Products, Transport Equipment; and Rubber Products.  
4.139.   2017 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between 
Japan and Mala ysia which was established in 1957. Since then, bilateral relations have been 
strengthened through the implementation of the Look East Policy, economic relations, cultural and 
people -to-people exchanges. At the Japan -Malaysia Summit Meeting held on 16 Nove mber 2016 
Leaders reaffirm commitments to strengthen Malaysia -Japan "Strategic Partnership" that would WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  continue to provide mutual benefits. With rising protectionism and anti -trade sentiments, Malaysia 
and ASEAN look forward to continue the close partnersh ip with Japan to keep markets open 
particularly with the roll out of the seamless trade under the ASEAN Economic Community.  
4.140.   We would like to express our appreciation to Ambassador Junichi Ihara and his delegation 
for their strong engagement here in Geneva .  
UKRAINE  
4.141.   Bilaterally, Japan is very important partner of Ukraine in the world economic and trade 
arena and one of the leading investors in Ukraine. Investment cooperation between our countries 
is based on bilateral Agreement for the Promotion and Protect ion of Investment and covers 
financial assistance, technical cooperation and different large projects, namely, dealing with 
modernization of sewage plant, improving the energy efficiency of coal power plants etc. Japanese 
investment in Ukraine has amounted  up to US$300 million. Ukraine and Japan have defined 
potential projects that can be realized in the near future: the joint production of locomotives in 
Ukraine, bridge construction across the river Pivdennyi Buh in Mykoliav city, a bypass road around 
Kyiv, and construction of a metro line to a heavily populated Kyiv district. The projects for 
Japanese partners may include also participation in the privatization of Ukrainian ports and energy 
sector facilities.  
4.142.   Ukraine attaches great importance to economic and trade cooperation between our 
countries. In 2016, Ukrainian export to Japan amounted to about US$200 million and Ukrainian 
import from Japan was about US$0.5 billion. In view of above mentioned, we would like to 
underline that relations between our cou ntries have a great potential for growth and the basis for 
building a sound partnership.  
4.143.   Ukraine highly appreciates the cooperation with Japan across the WTO bodies and its 
support and systemic approach within functioning of organization.  
4.144.   Within this TPR e xercise Ukraine has raised a number of questions on Japan's economic 
and trade policy, covering such areas as investment regime and agreements, private -public 
partnership arrangement, authorized economic operator programme, tariff policy on agricultural 
goods, export support and promotion, standards and other technical requirements, some issues 
regarding intellectual property rights and domestic support etc.  
4.145.   We appreciate the responses from Japanese delegation which we are studying closely.  
4.146.   In conclusion, 2017 has been announced the year of Japan in Ukraine. It is a good 
opportunity to develop and put into practice steps towards further strategic cooperation with 
Japan. Ukraine highly appreciates the efforts of Japan and personally of Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime 
Minister of Japan, for his encouragement expressed at a summit meeting in 2016 and strong hope 
for Ukraine to become a country with resilience and sustainability; and Japan's intent to steadily 
implement the approximately US$1.85 billion of assistance that  it has announced and thereby 
support the Ukraine's reform efforts.  
CHILE  
4.147.   Para este ejercicio, hemos formulado 14 consultas y agradecemos las respuestas 
entregadas.  
4.148.   La relación entre Chile y Japón data desde 1897, por lo que precisamente estamos 
conmemora ndo 120 años de vínculos diplomáticos, amistad y cooperación. Para Chile esta relación 
- la más antigua e institucionalizada que se mantiene con un país de Asia - es sólida en los 
ámbitos políticos, multilaterales, de cooperación y económico -comercial. Pod emos, por lo tanto, 
decir con satisfacción que los lazos bilaterales se han consolidado al más alto nivel a lo largo del 
tiempo.  
4.149.   Japón es un actor muy relevante para Chile. Nuestra relación bilateral se desarrolla 
mediante consultas políticas regulares, un  fluido intercambio comercial, inversiones y cooperación WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  en materias como salud, defensa, minería, astronomía, ciencia y tecnología, y, algo muy 
importante para ambos países, en prevención y manejo de desastres naturales.  
4.150.   Otorgamos gran importancia a esto s programas de cooperación bilateral y triangular, así 
como también evaluamos positivamente el eficiente trabajo que desarrollan nuestras respectivas 
agencias de cooperación de AGCID y JICA.  
4.151.   Prueba de esta integración es que hace pocos días, una delegación  de senadores 
japoneses, integrantes del Comité Especial sobre Ayuda Oficial al Desarrollo y Temas 
Relacionados, visitaron Chile para conocer y evaluar en terreno los diversos programas de 
cooperación y asistencia que Japón lleva a cabo con distintos paíse s del mundo.  
4.152.   En el ámbito comercial, la relación ha sido fundamentalmente impulsada a través del 
Acuerdo de Asociación Económica que incluye libre comercio, el primero firmado por Japón con un 
país de América del Sur y que entró en vigencia el 3 de septiem bre de 2007.  
4.153.   A 10 años de vigencia de nuestro Acuerdo, Japón es nuestro cuarto socio para las 
exportaciones chilenas, y sexto en intercambio comercial, con un total de 7.134 millones de 
dólares EE.UU.  
4.154.   La contracción del comercio internacional de los últim os años también ha repercutido en 
las cifras de la relación comercial entre Chile y Japón. Es nuestro interés, ciertamente, recuperar, 
restablecer y ampliar tal intercambio a niveles, por ejemplo, del año 2011 cuando se alcanzaron 
los 12.043 millones de dó lares EE.UU.   
4.155.   Chile se ha perfilado como un gran 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 importantes nuestros e nvíos de cobre, molibdeno, madera, y 
litio, entre otros.  
4.156.   Japón es uno de los inversionistas líderes en Chile ya no sólo en materias primas y 
minería, sino también en energías renovables, en desalinización de agua, en agroindustria y en 
servicios.  
4.157.   La inve rsión acumulada de Japón en Chile al 2015 ascendió a 10.532 millones de dólares 
EE.UU.  
4.158.   Con respecto a los informes presentados, observamos que Japón continúa siendo una 
economía orientada al exterior, abierta, competitiva y promotora de la inversión.  
4.159.   Al igual como lo hicimos en su anterior Examen (en 2015), nos permitimos felicitar a Japón 
por la constatación hecha por la Secretaría acerca de la mejora progresiva del programa de los 
Operadores económicos autorizados que ha permitido reducir significativamen te el plazo de 
levante de las mercancías importadas.  
4.160.   Según el último estudio en esta materia, efectuado en junio de 2015, dicho plazo era de 
menos de 1 minuto para las cargas marítimas de los operadores económicos autorizados, mientras 
que se requerían 14 4 minutos para las mercancías importadas por los operadores económicos no 
autorizados.  
4.161.   Apreciamos, asimismo, los esfuerzos de Tokio por revitalizar su economía nacional 
teniendo como eje los pilares de su Marco Estratégico (expansión monetaria, estímulos fiscales y 
reformas estructurales). Estamos seguros que a través de su metodología, pragmatismo, 
paciencia, perseverancia y cultura del trabajo, la economía japonesa se recuperará y existirán 
mayores oportunidades para el comercio de exportaciones e import adores competitivas.  
4.162.   Sin perjuicio de lo anterior y a pesar de los compromisos del Gobierno japonés en sus 
reformas estructurales en esferas como la agricultura, la energía y la atención sanitaria, no 
podemos dejar de llamar la atención, como lo señala el informe de la Secretaría, que la política 
agrícola aplica un amplio conjunto de medidas que se traducen en un nivel relativamente elevado 
de protección y ayudas a los productores para la mayor parte de los productos de este sector.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.163.   Por cierto que una mayo r liberalización afectará positivamente la competitividad y serán 
los propios consumidores japoneses quienes se beneficien.  
4.164.   Asimismo, estimamos que se debe tener presente que de los 101 aranceles más altos, 
95 de ellos sean tipos no ad valorem  y esto signi fique que el promedio aritmético global de los 
aranceles NMF (Nación Más Favorecida) aplicados por Japón se incrementó del 5,8% en 2014 al 
6,1% el 2016. Por otra parte, cabe mencionar que el método y el proceso de asignación de 
158 líneas arancelarias suje tas a los contingentes arancelarios siguen siendo algo complejos.  
4.165.   Chile desea mantener un  intercambio constructivo de opiniones sobre todos los aspectos 
de la economía del Japón, porque en el ámbito económico y comercial internacional, ambos países 
compa rtimos visiones comunes sobre la importancia de la liberalización de los mercados para el 
desarrollo y bienestar de los pueblos. Confiamos que Japón continuará ejerciendo su aporte 
constructivo y su rol de liderazgo en esta organización, condiciones que ap reciamos especialmente 
con miras a lograr valiosos resultados en la próxima Conferencia Ministerial de Buenos Aires.  
4.166.   Finalmente, permítame Sra. Presidenta expresar en este foro nuestra gratitud al Japón por 
la asistencia prestada con motivo de los grandes incendios forestales ocurridos recientemente en 
la zona centro -sur de nuestro país.  
SINGAPORE  
4.167.   Singapore associates with the ASEAN statement.  
4.168.   Japan is an important economic and trading partner for Singapore. In 2016, Japan was the 
8th largest trading partne r of Singapore with bilateral trade of US$47.5 billion. Bilateral investment 
flows also continue to be strong. As of end 2015, Japan was Singapore's 2nd largest cumulative 
investor, while Singapore was Japan's top Asian investor.  
4.169.   Our strong economic relati onship is underpinned by our bilateral FTA – the Agreement 
between Japan and Singapore for a New -Age Economic Partnership Agreement (JSEPA). The JSEPA 
is a key pillar and a significant milestone of Japan and Singapore's bilateral relations. It is Japan's 
first-ever EPA and one of Singapore's earliest FTAs with a major trading partner. Since its entry 
into force in 2002, it has benefited business communities of both countries through greater trade 
liberalization. Singapore looks forward to working closely wi th Japan to conclude a substantive 
review of the JSEPA. This will ensure that JSEPA remains relevant to changing business needs, and 
signal our continued commitment to advancing free trade.  
4.170.   Singapore welcomes Japan's continued economic engagement in the re gion. The 
ratification of the Trans -Pacific Partnership (TPP) and active participation in the ongoing Regional 
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are strong indications of Japan's commitment to 
closer regional economic integration. The ASEAN -Japan C omprehensive Economic Partnership 
(AJCEP) has also contributed towards stronger trade and investment relations between ASEAN and 
Japan.  
4.171.   As the world's third largest economy and fourth largest importer and exporter of goods, 
Japan's economic health is vital  to the global economy. Singapore notes that Japan has been 
undertaking economic reforms since 2013 and we hope that Japan will continue to stay the course 
with its reforms. From the Secretariat's report, we note that Japan's overall simple average applied  
MFN tariff rate increased from 5.8% in FY2014 to 6.1% in FY2016 due to higher average ad 
valorem equivalents of non -ad valorem  duties. We also note that the average bound rate remains 
considerably higher for agricultural products (16.7%) than for non -agricultural products (3.6%). 
We hope to see future improvements for the applied MFN tariff rate and also encourage Japan to 
continue in its efforts to liberalize its agriculture sector. We further note that Japan has submitted 
numerous notifications under the  different WTO agreements but did not submit notifications in 
certain areas during the review period. We encourage Japan to deal with the outstanding 
notifications as soon as possible.  
4.172.   To conclude, Singapore looks forward to continuing our close cooperatio n with Japan to 
further the goal towards deeper and more progressive trade liberalization at all levels. We 
commend the commitment of Japan to the multilateral trading system and the constructive WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  contributions of Japan's Permanent Representative Ambassador  Junichi Ihara and his able team. 
We hope to work closely with our Japanese colleagues towards a fruitful 11th Ministerial 
Conference in Bueno Aires. Finally we thank Japan for the timely responses to our written 
questions and wish Japan a very successful 13th Trade Policy Review.  
BRAZIL  
4.173.   The thirteenth Trade Policy Review of Japan is a very important exercise.  
4.174.   As the third largest world economy and fourth largest global trader, Japan plays a central 
role in the international economy. In the WTO, it has been  committed to exploring new approaches 
and issues to advance the negotiations agenda. It has also been a force for strengthening the 
multilateral trading system. A good example was the early deposit of its instrument of ratification 
of the TFA, on 1 June 2 015. At the same time, the country is also actively pursuing bilateral, 
regional and plurilateral agreements.  
4.175.   Japan's economy regained momentum since 2015, with reforms that include monetary 
easing, fiscal stimulus and structural transformation in areas s uch as energy, healthcare and 
agriculture.  
4.176.   Agricultural reform is a core interest for Brazil. Subsidies and protection provided to 
agriculture remain significantly high when compared to other OECD countries, with two aspects of 
particular concern: support programs are highly trade -distorting; and administered prices, 
particularly regarding pork and beef, are very detrimental to the interests of developing -country 
exporters, such as Brazil.  
4.177.   Furthermore, the lack of more updated notifications on domestic supp ort also hinders our 
ability to monitor Japan's agricultural policies and their impact on our exports.  
4.178.   SPS measures result in high compliance costs for exporters, due to stringent restrictive 
requirements, often more rigorous than international standards. In this respect, the ongoing 
structural farm reform is greatly welcomed and Brazil urges Japan to continue on this path.  
4.179.   On the industrial sector, the support provided to the Mitsubishi jet project has been closely 
monitored by Brazil. This topic has been  raised, bilaterally and at the WTO, but replies provided so 
far have been vague. We take this opportunity to once again urge the Japanese government to 
provide timely and satisfactory responses to our questions and concerns.  
4.180.   On trade in goods, Japan is c urrently our seventh trade partner, and the third in Asia. 
Brazil attaches highest priority to the need of diversifying our exports to Japan, still highly 
concentrated on basic products - iron ore, meat, coffee, soybeans.  
4.181.   The resumption of Brazilian export s of thermally processed beef to Japan is a positive 
development. However, import restrictions continue to affect some operations, which were freely 
admitted before 2012. Brazil looks forward to a rapid resolution to this matter, ensuring Japanese 
consumer s a broader access to high quality Brazilian beef.  
4.182.   The stock of Japanese FDI in Brazil was at US$28 billion in 2014. On the occasion of 
President Temer's visit to Japan last year, a Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of 
Infrastructure Investments was  signed. Japanese investment is expected to play a key role in the 
ongoing recovery of the Brazilian economy.  
4.183.   Beyond trade and investment ties, our countries have an important cooperation agenda in 
areas such as agriculture, science and technology and educ ation. In 2015 Brazil and Japan 
celebrated 120 years of diplomatic relations. Brazil is proud of being home to the largest Japanese 
community abroad. And Japan hosts the third largest Brazilian community abroad.  
4.184.   We thank Japan for the written replies to ou r questions, on issues such as GSP, SPS, 
subsidies, tariff classification and TBT. They were forwarded to our capital for examination and 
follow -up. WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  GUATEMALA  
4.185.   En el marco de este examen, reconocemos la sólida labor de investigación por parte de la 
Secretar ía de la OMC, reflejada en el informe que hoy discutimos. 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 tambi én para 
extender nuestro más sincero agradecimiento al Embajador Julian Barithwaite, Embajador del 
Reino Unido 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 calid ad de ponente.  
4.186.   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 acuerdos 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 Acuerdo s de Paz en Guatemala e intensificó su apoyo, para contribuir con 
el desarrollo económico y el fortalecimiento de la democracia en nuestro país.  
4.187.   En términos de intercambios comerciales, Japón es un importante socio comercial de 
Guatemala. En 2016, el fluj o comercial entre ambos países superó los 475 millones de dólares 
EE.UU., cifra que representa un incremento del 25% del total intercambiado una década antes, en 
2006. Los principales productos exportados 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.  
4.188.   En relación con el informe de Políticas Comerciales que ho y nos concierne, observamos que 
si bien se registró una contracción del PIB real en 2014 y el nivel de actividad económica se 
mantuvo bajo, las autoridades japonesas han tomado acciones importantes para revertir este 
patrón, tales como medidas para impulsa r el consumo privado, modificaciones fiscales para 
mejorar las finanzas públicas del país e impulsar la competitividad. Dentro de las mejoras 
implementadas en el período estudiado, es importante resaltar las medidas para fortalecer la 
atracción de inversió n extranjera directa (IED), la modificación de la Ley Antimonopolio, por la que 
se introdujo un nuevo sistema de apelación y la modificación al sistema de contratación pública. A 
pesar de estas mejoras, persisten retos importantes, tales como una profundiz ación de la apertura 
de su mercado agrícola y el refuerzo de las medidas para continuar el proceso de reactivación de 
su economía.   
4.189.   Reconocemos los esfuerzos y logros importantes alcanzados por Japón durante el período 
estudiado. Agradecemos también las r espuestas a las preguntas planteadas por Guatemala en el 
marco de este examen.  
4.190.   Esperamos continuar fortaleciendo nuestros importantes vínculos comerciales y deseamos 
a la delegación que representa hoy a Japón, una exitosa conclusión de su examen de políti cas 
comerciales.  
CHINA  
4.191.   Japan is the world's fourth -largest exporter and importer for both trade in goods and trade 
in services. Given its weight in global trade, Japan's economic and trade policies and measures 
undoubtedly have a significant impact on the rest of the world.  
4.192.   China notes that Japan's economic performance remained sluggish during the review 
period despite its continuous implementation of the three pillar strategy of monetary easing, fiscal 
stimulus, and structural reforms. China is also aware  of the three new arrows being released 
towards the three targets. China hopes these policy developments would really help Japan's 
economy recovery, and inject vitality into the world economy.  
4.193.   Japan is an important Member of the WTO. China highly commends Japan's commitment 
to strengthening and maintaining the multilateral trading system, which forms the basis of global 
trade, and regards it as an important pillar of Japan's trade policy. China welcomes the progress 
made by Japan in aligning its industrial standards to corresponding international ones, and hopes WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  that Japan will continue to review the rationality of its regulatory measures on sound scientific 
basis. However, it is worth noting that the ITA expansion negotiation, which was concluded during 
MC10 in December 2014, is still not ratified by the Japanese Parliament till today. We hope the 
Japanese Government could take all effort to accelerate this process.  
4.194.   Japan is our important neighbour and trading partner. The economic interdependence 
between t he two countries is growing deeper. In 2016, China is Japan's largest trading partner and 
source of imports, while Japan is China's 5th largest trading partner and an important source of 
investment. 11 rounds of negotiations have been conducted regarding C hina-Japan - Korea FTA, 
and the three sides are still moving forward steadily in this regard. That said, there are still a 
range of problems hampering further development of our bilateral trade and economic ties. I 
would like to take this opportunity to nam e a few of them.  
4.195.   First of all, Japan has broken its commitment undertaken in Article 15 of China's Protocol 
of Accession to the WTO, by announcing that it will continue using the illegal "surrogate country" 
methodology in anti -dumping cases against China. This is a violation of WTO rules, which will not 
only damage Japan's international reputation, but also diminish global faith in the multilateral 
trading system. China urges Japan to correct this without any delay, and fulfil its commitments in 
a comprehen sive and thorough manner.  
4.196.   Secondly, according to our industries, Japan maintains a strict inspection regime on 
imported food. Sometimes the scope of companies and products subject to inspection is much 
boarder than needed, and sometimes inspection is imple mented in a discretionary manner. These 
unnecessary measures have delayed customs clearance, and therefore affect the freshness of 
imported food products. China hopes that Japan could streamline and accelerate its inspection 
procedures for medium -and-low-risk food products, avoid "order inspection" requirements on 
companies with no bad record in the past; and also enhance bilateral cooperation on food 
certification with other countries.  
4.197.   The rest of questions and comments from China have been submitted in wr iting before this 
review meeting, and we would appreciate Japan's efforts in providing replies to them.  
NORWAY  
4.198.   Norway thanks Japan for its responses to our written questions well in advance of the 
meeting. It is useful to have the possibility to ask follow -up questions if necessary.  
4.199.   Although far apart geographically, Japan and Norway have a close economic relationship. 
In 2016, Japan was Norway's second largest trading partner in Asia. Both imports and exports 
have increased from 2015 to 2016. Trade in ser vices between Norway and Japan is considerable, 
and a substantial proportion is in the maritime sector.  
4.200.   Japan is the world's third largest economy, and Norway therefore follows closely Japan's 
economic reform process, which we believe can give important r esults if followed through. We pay 
particular attention to energy market reforms and efforts aimed at better inclusion of women in 
the labor market. The latter is important in itself as well as in light of the aging and declining 
population, which is contr ibuting to the sluggish economic performance in Japan during the period 
under review.   
4.201.   Japan is a major maritime global player with one of the world's largest fleets. Maritime 
transport is an indispensable facilitator for global trade and economic growth.  Norway believes 
better access to and supply of maritime transport services on open and equal market conditions 
are beneficial to all WTO Members, and crucial to economic growth. This causation ought to be 
reflected properly as commitments in schedules of WTO Members. We appreciate that Japan has 
been a constructive partner in working for more open and transparent conditions for international 
maritime transport services, and look forward to continuing our common efforts in this area.  
4.202.   Norway is pleased with  the broad international dialogue in the International Working Group 
(IWG) concerning a possible agreement on export credits. Competition among exporters should be 
based on the quality and price of the offered goods and services, rather than on the most 
favorable financial terms and conditions.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.203.   Norway appreciates Japan's efforts and work on the ship sector guidelines in the IWG. We 
are looking forward to continuing the dialogue with Japan on broad international guidelines on 
matters such as premium rates, interest rates and transparency.  
4.204.   Norwegian seafood, in particular fresh salmon and mackerel, has become an important 
part of Japanese food culture. Japanese companies play an increasingly larger role in the marine 
produce value chain. This underlines our c ommon interest in an open and transparent market with 
predictable rules for trade in fish and seafood.  
4.205.   We are pleased that Japan actively engages in the negotiations on fisheries subsidies to 
implement Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 in the WTO. We shar e Japan's assessment that 
good, sustainable resource management is essential. At the same time, we need to join forces to 
tackle, as mandated, those fisheries subsidies that lead to overcapacity and overfishing as well as 
eliminate subsidies that contribut e to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.  
4.206.   Norway thanks Japan for its leading role in the ITA II negotiations, and appreciates that 
Japan foresaw to implement all the tariff cuts by 1 July last year. It is disappointing that this has 
not yet happen ed. Implementation of commitments is an essential part of the multilateral trading 
system. We understand that the question is now before the Diet. Norway urges Japan to take all 
possible steps to achieve swift implementation of the tariff elimination.  
4.207.   Norway is working closely with Japan in the WTO. We commend Japan's staunch defense 
of the multilateral trading system with its open, predictable and enforceable rules and 
commitments by all. We appreciate the role Japan has played and continues to play in br inging the 
multilateral trading system forward as well as its non -wavering commitment to battle 
protectionism. As history has taught us: protectionism is not the answer to economic insecurity. 
We need Japan, and others, to take global leadership on trade.   
4.208.   Japan has increased its focus on bilateral and regional trade agreements. We appreciate 
that this approach is a complement to Japan's substantial engagement within the WTO, and agree 
that FTAs should act as building blocks and inspiration for further mul tilateral rulemaking.  
4.209.   Norway would like to give credit to Japan for its constructive and positive contributions in 
both ongoing and recent multilateral and plurilateral negotiations within the WTO. A further proof 
of Japan's commitment to the multilateral  trading system is the role taken on by Japan's 
ambassador Ihara as the new chair of the Dispute Settlement Body.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.210.   Since its last review in 2015, Japan has put in place an ambitious programm e of reforms 
designed to overcome deflation and to revitalize its economy after more than two decades of 
relatively unsatisfactory performance. These efforts are greatly appreciated, and if they succeed 
will boost domestic growth to the benefit of both Jap an and the entire global trading community as 
well. We are fully aware that implementing these reforms and measures is no easy task, but 
despite the major challenges that remain, we expect Japan to pursue the good work undertaken so 
far. 
4.211.   At the bilateral l evel, our people have for long enjoyed a very strong and comprehensive 
trading relationship with Japan. It is not only our fourth -largest export market, but Japan is also 
an important strategic partner for us on a number of key trade and investment issues,  as well as 
being one of our major sources of inward direct investment. We look forward to continuing to work 
closely with the Government of Japan to develop and grow our bilateral trade and investment 
cooperation in the future. And furthermore, we value o ur close cooperation with Japan across the 
whole spectrum of our WTO work here in Geneva, particularly in the areas of ITA expansion, the 
Trade in Services Agreement negotiations, and the Environmental Goods Agreement.  
4.212.   I would like to thank the Japanese d elegation for the prompt replies we received last week 
to the written questions that we provided in advance. Our questions concerned a number of 
different areas, including regional and preferential agreements, intellectual property rights, 
geographical ind ications, as well as Japan's trade policies in the energy and telecommunications WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  sectors. We are currently examining the replies with great interest with basically a positive 
attitude.  
4.213.   As far as this trade policy review is concerned, overall we are pleased  to note that the 
Japanese economy remains open and transparent. There are, however, some elements that we 
believe merit further attention.  
4.214.   On tariffs, for example, we appreciate that 98.2% of Japan's total tariff lines are bound, 
and that the difference between the average bound MFN tariff (5.9%) and the average applied 
MFN tariff (6.1%) in 2016 was negligible, thus reflecting a high degree of predictability in Japan's 
tariff regime. However, the simple average applied MFN tariffs for footwear and headgea r (32.6%) 
and prepared foods (18.3%) were relatively high, and international tariff peaks still applied to 
7.4% of all Japan's tariff lines.  
4.215.   In addition, out of all the lines that are subject to quotas, 158 are out -of-quota tariffs 
whose average rates dif fer considerably, and the quota allocation method and process remains 
somewhat intricate to say the least. Japan therefore has a relatively complex tariff structure, 
perhaps creating an impression of vagueness for business operators, which is why we would 
encourage improvements and simplification in these aspects.  
4.216.   To conclude, I would just like to highlight the importance of Japan's active contribution 
within the WTO. We hope that in the context of the WTO's current agenda, Japan will continue to 
play a co nstructive and leading role. Its typical pragmatism, patience and perseverance are the 
kind of attributes likely to be much needed and appreciated in the completion of the upcoming 
work programme, if the MC 11 is to be the success that we all want it to be .  
4.217.   On behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, I wish 
Japan a successful review. And I also congratulate Ambassador Ihara to take the DSB chair and 
the forthcoming GC chair. These two important chairmanships mirror the significant achievement 
of Japan's mission in WTO in the past several decades.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.218.   New Zealand welcomes this opportunity to participate in the trade policy review of Japan. 
New Zealand is fortunate to have Japan as one of its longest standing and m ost important trading 
partners. Our trade is highly complementary and forms the basis of a strong, bilateral economic 
relationship, which continues to develop into new areas. Given this background, New Zealand 
takes a close interest in Japan's trade policy  and ongoing reform agenda.  
4.219.   New Zealand welcomes Japan's policies for economic revival and liberalization and 
congratulates Japan on its decision to undertake such far reaching reforms, including recent 
reform efforts in the areas of agriculture, labour an d renewable energy. Under Abenomics, 
embedded economic structures are being reformed with the aim of revitalizing the Japanese 
economy. This is clearly a difficult process. The end goal however should produce tangible 
economic benefits for both Japan and i ts international economic partners.  
4.220.   New Zealand has appreciated Japan's complimentary attention to regional and bilateral 
trade negotiations as well as the multilateral trading system and applauds Japan's leadership on 
seeking to counter current trends tow ards protectionism. We congratulate Japan in becoming the 
first Trans Pacific Partnership signatory to notify ratification of the agreement in January 2017 and 
appreciate Japan's important leadership role in seeking to advance TPP.  In the Regional 
Compreh ensive Economic Partnership negotiations, New Zealand stands with Japan in its 
determination to conclude a high quality, comprehensive agreement. The successful realization of 
high quality trade agreements offers participating countries such as New Zealand  and Japan deep 
economic benefits. Such positive liberalization initiatives should also give momentum to our work 
here in Geneva and support global trade reform rather than be seen as a direct alternative.  
4.221.   New Zealand values our cooperation with Japan acro ss the work of the WTO. While we 
inevitably do not always see eye to eye on all issues, Japan's constructive approach in both the 
regular work of the WTO and in the negotiations has helped to move the work of the Organization 
forward. In particular, we val ued Japan's fundamental role in the expansion of the Information WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  Technology Agreement and associated negotiation, and urge Japan to speedily implement its 
outstanding obligations under this agreement.   
4.222.   New Zealand also encourages Japan to intensify its ef forts 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 
agriculture, as many in Japan have high lighted. At the same time, Japan produces high quality 
agricultural products for which there is a high demand in premium markets. New Zealand 
commends Japan's aim to reorient its sector towards competitive high -value export and 
encourages intensification o f agricultural reform efforts to achieve that goal.   
4.223.   We welcome Japan's efforts to reform land tenure and cooperative structures, as a means 
of removing some significant constraints on agricultural productivity. The challenge is to create an 
environment w here the agricultural industry can apply the same ingenuity and efficiency for which 
Japan's industrial and manufacturing sectors have become so renowned. The lesson from Japan's 
success in other industries is 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 
sector that can contribute to the wider economy and c ompete on the global stage.  
4.224.   New Zealand has a long record of engagement with Japan in primary industries and 
continues to benefit from long -term high quality Japanese investment in our primary sector. As 
Japan continues to progress agriculture sector refor m and reorient the sector towards export, New 
Zealand seeks to deepen its collaboration. Our two Prime Ministers' commitment to a "Partnership 
in Food and Agriculture" in July 2014 has already borne fruit, and we feel there is still more we can 
do together .  
4.225.   Japan is also a significant global player in the fisheries sector, as an importer, a consumer, 
a fishing nation, and in terms of the subsidies it provides to its sector. We therefore look forward 
to continuing to work with Japan, in line with Sustainabl e Development Goal 14.6, to establish 
effective WTO fisheries subsidies prohibitions at MC11. Like in the agriculture sector, such subsidy 
reforms would make tangible improvements to the competitiveness of domestic fisheries as well as 
contribute to global  sustainability outcomes.  
4.226.   We commend Japan's commitment to economic reform and revival. As one of the world's 
largest economies, Japan carries a particular leadership responsibility within the WTO. We 
welcome the contribution Japan has made to the multilat eral trading system to date, and we look 
forward to benefiting further from the exercise of Japanese leadership in the lead up to the 11th 
WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires.  
PARAGUAY  
4.227.   Como señala el informe, la economía japonesa se ha recuperado mo deradamente, pero 
estamos seguros que la mejora de la situación del empleo y de los ingresos permitirán a Japón ir 
por el buen camino.  
4.228.   Si bien en 2014 el PIB real se contrajo en un 0,03%, y a pesar de que las catástrofes 
naturales, el envejecimiento o la d isminución de la población han tenido consecuencias negativas 
para la economía del Japón, los esfuerzos del Gobierno han permitido el aumento del comercio de 
mercancías y de servicios, logrando que el país sea el cuarto mayor exportador e importador de 
mercancías y servicios del mundo.  
4.229.   De hecho, el Gobierno respondió a una situación compleja con un interesante paquete de 
medidas destinadas principalmente a consolidar las finanzas públicas, como ser: la expansión 
monetaria, estímulos fiscales y reformas est ructurales, sin olvidar los esfuerzos para aumentar la 
inversión extranjera directa, entre ellos la simplificación de la reglamentación y los procedimientos 
administrativos que deben aplicar las empresas extranjeras y la mejora del entorno educativo de 
niños extranjeros.  
4.230.   Sin embargo, existen retos importantes. Pensamos, por ejemplo, que la importación de 
productos agrícolas sigue sufriendo a causa de un tipo consolidado medio alto en comparación con WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  los productos no agrícolas, así como de medidas específic as de sostenimiento del mercado. 
Preocupan a mi país que el nivel de ayuda y protección concedido a la agricultura en el Japón sigue 
siendo elevado en comparación a otros países de la OCDE.  
4.231.   También quisiéramos aprovechar esta oportunidad para solicitar ma yor información sobre 
las subvenciones y programas de asistencia, en particular saber si todos estos han sido notificados 
ante la OMC.  
4.232.   Paraguay valora el compromiso de Japón con el Sistema multilateral de comercio, tanto en 
el establecimiento de normas ap egadas al libre comercio, como en su participación en el Órgano 
de solución de diferencias y su compromiso con la Ayuda para el Comercio, las iniciativas de 
desarrollo del comercio emprendidas por el Japón o el Sistema Generalizado de Preferencias que 
permite un trato preferencial a los PMA.  
4.233.   Por su parte, mi delegación ha realizado varias consultas puntuales, referente al comercio 
de servicios. Agradecemos mucho sus respuestas, las cuales las estudiaremos con mucha 
atención.  
4.234.   Mi delegación celebra la realiza ción, en mayo de 2016, del Tercer Diálogo para intensificar 
la relación económica entre el Mercosur y el Japón, así como la excelente relación bilateral que 
tiene mi país con Japón, no solo a nivel económico, sino también a nivel político, social y cultura l. 
En el periodo en estudio, los flujos de comercio en ambas direcciones se han incrementado en un 
24%. Las importaciones desde le Japón alcanzaron más de 200 millones de dólares EE.UU. 
(principalmente en el sector de vehículos y aparatos electrónicos) y l as exportaciones 
aproximadamente 80 millones de dólares EE.UU. (principalmente soja).  
4.235.   Para concluir, vale la pena destacar que Paraguay y Japón comparten la misma visión 
sobre la necesidad de fortalecer el sistema multilateral comercio, así como la firme v oluntad de 
obtener resultados tangibles en la próxima Conferencia Ministerial de Bs As.  
4.236.   Reitero mis felicitaciones a quienes tienen a su cargo la conducción de este Examen y a los 
delegados de la Misión Permanente de Japón en Ginebra, por su siempre activa  participación en los 
diferentes temas que tratamos en esta casa.  
ECUADOR  
4.237.   Participamos con especial interés en este Examen de Políticas Comerciales, considerando 
las relaciones políticas, económicas, comerciales y de inversión que se ha mantenido entre Jap ón y 
Ecuador.  
4.238.   Cabe mencionar que recientemente tuvimos el honor de recibir en Ecuador al Viceministro 
Parlamentario de Asuntos Exteriores de Japón, señor Shunsuke Takei quien destacó el interés del 
Gobierno japonés de fortalecer el diálogo y mejorar las r elaciones políticas de nuestros países. 
Asimismo, señaló que continuará apoyando el proceso de reconstrucción de las áreas afectadas en 
Ecuador tras el terremoto de abril de 2016.  
4.239.   En dicha oportunidad, las autoridades ecuatorianas subrayaron la importancia  de la 
cooperación técnica de Japón y alentaron a fortalecerla, especialmente mediante la transferencia 
de conocimientos y tecnología. Además, se insistió en la necesidad de promover el intercambio 
comercial que se ve afectado por regulaciones muy estricta s, particularmente para productos 
alimenticios.  
4.240.   En cuanto al informe presentado por la Secretaría, tomamos nota de que Japón ha tenido 
poca actividad económica debido a una inflación persistente a la baja y el envejecimiento y 
disminución de la población. Asimismo, se ha visto afectada en los últimos años por catástrofes 
naturales, que han aumentado la presión sobre sus finanzas públicas.   
4.241.   Cabe mencionar que Japón es el cuarto mayor exportador e importador de mercancías y 
servicios del mundo. Sin embargo, el crecimiento del PIB de Japón durante el período de examen 
es moderado. Para el 2014, la tasa anual de crecimiento económico disminuyó un 0,03% y en el 
2015 a pesar de ser positivo fue de 0,5%. Los factores que podrían haber afectado su crecimiento WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  son d ebilidad de su consumo privado, la debilidad de la demanda mundial, la caída de los precios 
de los productos básicos, entre otros.  
4.242.   Destacamos que para impulsar el consumo privado, el Banco de Japón lideró esfuerzos 
mediante la expansión monetaria cuantitat iva y cualitativa con un tipo de interés negativo. 
Además, ha puesto en marcha reformas estructurales para incrementar la población activa y 
fortalecer el sector empresarial.  
4.243.   De igual forma, registramos que en el 2015 se adoptaron medidas para atraer empre sas 
extranjeras, como la mejora del entorno educativo para los niños extranjeros.  
4.244.   Es importante anotar también que Japón es parte de 15 Acuerdos Comerciales Regionales 
que ya están vigentes y, en el período objeto del examen, firmó el Acuerdo de Asociació n 
Transpacífico. En la actualidad, está negociando con China; la República de Corea; la Unión 
Europea; Canadá; Colombia los Miembros de la Asociación Económica Regional Amplia y Turquía.  
4.245.   Ecuador reconoce que Japón cuenta con sistemas que aceleran el levant e y despacho de 
aduana de las mercancías y ha concertado acuerdos de reconocimiento mutuo de los programas de 
operadores económicos autorizados con sus interlocutores comerciales.  
4.246.   De otra parte, observamos que Japón ha incrementado el número de medidas an tidumping 
aplicadas y ha modificado su Ley Antimonopolio, introduciendo un nuevo procedimiento de 
apelación en virtud del cual un tribunal se encarga de examinar las órdenes administrativas.  
4.247.   Asimismo, destacamos los cambios introducidos en el marco de los derechos de propiedad 
intelectual: aplicación de una ley específica sobre las indicaciones geográficas de alimentos, 
bebidas y productos agropecuarios y marinos; fortalecimiento de la protección de los secretos 
comerciales, entre otros.  
4.248.   Ecuador también res alta que la agricultura japonesa sigue estando muy protegida por 
aranceles; contingentes; medidas de sostenimiento de los precios del mercado; y, transferencias 
basadas en la producción y los insumos, que pueden distorsionar la producción y el comercio.  
4.249.   De otra parte, subrayamos el hecho de que el sector servicios es un elemento fundamental 
de la economía japonesa, por su alta contribución al PIB del 72%. Este sector, está ampliamente 
abierto a la competencia a excepción de esferas específicas como determin ados servicios de 
transmisión o servicios médicos.  
4.250.   Para concluir, deseamos anticipar nuestro agradecimiento a la delegación de Japón por sus 
respuestas a las preguntas planteadas sobre algunos aspectos concretos de su política comercial 
que proveerá infor mación importante para el fortalecimiento de las relaciones bilaterales en 
materia de comercio exterior.  
INDONESIA  
4.251.   Indonesia associates itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by the Permanent 
Representative of Malaysia to the WTO.  
4.252.   We are pleased to be h ere today for participating in The Trade Policy Review of Japan. For 
many years, both countries have played critical roles in the multilateral, regional and bilateral 
trading system. In regional context, currently Indonesia and Japan are negotiating Region al 
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) along with other ASEAN members and 5 partner 
countries, namely Australia, New Zealand, China, India, and the Republic of Korea. Furthermore, 
until today, Indonesia only has one bilateral Economic Partnership Agr eement, and it is 
Indonesia -Japan EPA.  
4.253.   In light of the trade policy review which we are commencing today, we note with positivity 
that Japan is a highly integrated economic unit with common policies and laws covering most trade 
and trade related areas.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.254.   We also appreciate Japan's valuable contributions in the WTO forum, including for this 
Trade Policy Review.  
4.255.   Please allow us to share how Indonesia and Japan have been engaging a mutual trade 
relationship. Japan has constantly become one of Indonesia's most important trading partner for 
many years, although the value of total non -oil trade between the two countries showed a 
decrease of 8.9% per annum during the last three years (2014 -2016).  
4.256.   In this regard, we look forward to jointly conduct a General Review o f the Indonesia -Japan 
Economic Partnership Agreement for the benefit of both countries, in accordance to the three main 
pillars of the Agreement: market access, facilitation, and cooperation. We believe that the joint 
review is the best way to increase tra de performance of Japan and Indonesia.  
4.257.   Total investment of Japan in Indonesia during 2016 was recorded at US$5.4 billion and 
ranked as the 2nd largest foreign investment. The investment was allocated in over 3300 projects. 
We highly appreciate Japan's cont ribution to the increase of foreign investment, as well as to the 
development of infrastructure and industry in Indonesia.  
4.258.   Beside the strong and positive economic ties between Indonesia and Japan that have been 
achieved during the last decade, we still fin d some unnecessary barriers to trade in Japan. 
Therefore, we hope that, through this Trade Policy Review, those issues can be addressed.  
4.259.   In this regard, we have submitted a number of written questions related to our concerns 
on Japan trade and trade -related policies and practices. We thank the Government of Japan for the 
responses provided to these advanced questions. We look forward to a follow -up communication 
with Japan, to seek further clarification to the answers provided.  
4.260.   Finally, I would like to co nclude our remarks by expressing, once again, our profound 
appreciation to the delegation of Japan for their hard work. Our appreciation also goes to 
Ambassador Junichi Ihara, the Permanent Representative of Japan to the WTO. Indonesia wishes 
Japan every s uccess in its thirteenth TPR.  
THE RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.261.   Japan is one of Russia's largest trading partners. Over the years the Russian Federation 
has developed broad, deep and robust bilateral cooperation with Japan, spanning vast economic, 
trade and investmen t areas.  
4.262.   We would like to highlight some of trade and investment measures that might be 
important for enhancing our bilateral cooperation. As such, Russia welcomes the fact that in June 
2015 Japan abolished Wood use points program (WUPP). We would like to continue to receive 
information regarding Japan's plans to implement similar programs in future.  
4.263.   The Russian Federation takes note of Japan's answers to our questions concerning its 
investment regime, in particular with regards to the sectors that are subj ect to restrictions and/or 
prohibitions for foreign investors as well as those where incentives to foreign investors are 
provided by the Government of Japan. We are looking forward to continue the exchange of 
information on this issue.  
4.264.   Russia has also subm itted a number of questions regarding Japans' intellectual property 
rights, agricultural policy and sanitary and phytosanitary measures that are of particular interest to 
us. We have received written answers and are studying them carefully.  
4.265.   We have also se nt several follow -up questions on different aspects of Japanese foreign 
trade regime. In particular, we would appreciate it if Japan could elaborate on its plans in respect 
of lifting a ban on imports of poultry from Russia that was imposed by Japan as far  back as 2005.  
INDIA  
4.266.   With a nominal GDP of US$4.121 trillion in 2015 and being the world's fourth largest 
exporter and importer of goods and services, Japan is amongst the key drivers of the global WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  economy. We note from the Secretariat's report that during  the period under review Japan's 
economic performance remained sluggish due to various factors including persistently low inflation, 
pressure on public spending due to various factors and increased borrowing by the Government. 
To address the challenges Jap an has undertaken a series of measures including the three policy 
strategy launched in 2013 which consists of a bold monetary policy; a flexible fiscal policy and 
structural reforms. While Japan's economy contracted in 2014 it registered a positive growth in 
2015 and first two quarters of 2016. We commend the Japanese Government for the structural 
reforms aimed at boosting economic growth, encouraging labour force participation and improving 
Japan's corporate governance framework.  
4.267.   India and Japan share cent uries old ties of friendship and civilization linkages. In recent 
years, the relationship has been elevated to a Global and Strategic partnership which is 
multifaceted, substantive and deep. Regular high level exchanges take place between both 
countries.  
4.268.   Deepening trade and economic relations is a key pillar of our strategic partnership. The 
bilateral trade between India and Japan stood at US$14.51 billion in 2015 -16. The India -Japan 
Comprehensive Partnership Agreement which came to force in 2011 is one of our most 
comprehensive agreements covering goods, services, investments, IPRs, movement of natural 
persons and other related areas. In various surveys including the one conducted by JBIC, India 
has been consistently ranked amongst the most attractive desti nations for Japanese companies. 
The presence of Japanese companies and investments into India has continued to grow steadily 
and cumulative FDI from Japan into India stood at US$20.96 billion till March 2016. Japan is also 
an important partner for our flag ship infrastructure projects including the Delhi -Mumbai Industrial 
Corridor, the Western -dedicated Freight Corridor and the Chennai -Bengaluru Industrial Corridor.  
4.269.   In terms of its trade policy, while Japan is an open economy the Secretariat report 
mentions that since the last review the regulatory regime of SPS and TBT measures of Japan 
remains unchanged. The agriculture sector also remains highly protected with some of the highest 
import tariffs and specific market support.  
4.270.   We thank the Japanese delegation for the replies provided to some of the questions we 
had raised. These would be reviewed by my authorities. However, I wish to underline some 
specific concerns which undermine the tremendous potential of our bilateral economic relations. 
The regulatory reg ime including technical regulations, standards and SPS measures which in many 
cases are more stringent than international standards continue to impact the agricultural exports 
from India to Japan. The stringent maximum residual levels (MRL's) for agricultu ral chemicals, 
chemical products, additives for food products etc. are major entry barriers and add to costs for 
our exporters. We would urge Japan to review the standards and measures to improve the market 
access for Indian exporters by harmonizing the st andards to Codex level. Indian pharmaceutical 
companies also continue to face difficulties in accessing the Japanese market due to the stringent 
and cumbersome regulatory framework and requirement to form joint ventures with Japanese 
companies. In the IT s ervices 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 both these areas to simplify the regulatory framewo rk which is 
consistent with international standard and norms. The other issues of concern for us include the 
Mutual Recognition agreements on accountancy and Nursing services despite being part of CEPA, 
access for Indian companies in the insurance sector i n Japan and procedural visa related issues for 
Indian professionals. We hope Japan will comprehensively look into all these issues expeditiously.  
4.271.   Before I conclude, I wish to highlight the vast potential for further strengthening the trade 
and investment t ies between both countries, given the complementarities and natural affinities we 
share. We look forward to working closely with the authorities of Japan in further expanding our 
economic ties for mutual benefit and wish the delegation of Japan a productiv e and successful TPR.  
THAILAND  
4.272.   In starting off, Thailand would like to associate itself with ASEAN's statement delivered by 
the Malaysia.   WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.273.   Japan, has through the years been a close and important trade partner for Thailand. In 
2016, the Japan was Thailand' s 2nd largest trading partner in the world, with trade value of 
US$51.3 billion. In the same year Japan was Thailand's 3rd largest export destination with total 
exports valued at US$20.4 billion, with Electrical Machineries, Processed food, Automobiles and  
Rubber being the key products. Import wise, Japan remains our second largest source of imports 
with a value of US$30.9 billion, though we note that imports from Japan has been steadily 
declining in the past few years.  
4.274.   Although there has been little chang e in terms of trade and investment policies since the 
previous review two years ago, we are pleased to note Japan's continued efforts to improve its 
customs procedures, positive approach to investment promotion, openness to trade in services, 
and its restr aint towards resorting to contingency measures.  
4.275.   Nevertheless, Thailand also note that, despite improvements, Japan's protection in the 
agricultural sector remains high compared to other OECD countries, both in the form of import 
tariffs and domestic suppor t.  
4.276.   Japan has always been an immense contributor to the WTO, both in the regular work and 
in various negotiations. We hope that Japan will continue to play a leading role as we push for a 
substantially meaningful package in MC 11 in Buenos Aires, especiall y in Agriculture.  
4.277.   In this review, Thailand submitted quite a number of questions to Japan, covering the 
policies and measures of our interests such as Agricultural policies and support programmes, the 
termination of production quotas for rice under the Pr oduction Adjustment Programme, investment 
regimes, and trade in services in various sectors. We thank Japan for the responses provided, for 
which we will study carefully with great interest.  
4.278.   In conclusion, Thailand would like to express its appreciation to  the Japanese delegation 
for today's presentation. We are thankful for the cooperation with Japan in every level, including 
the close working relationship between our two Missions here in Geneva.  
ARGENTINA  
4.279.   La República Argentina observa con gran interés e l entorno económico del Japón. 
Valoramos el enfoque de Japón para corregir la deflación que ha tenido en los últimos años. Aun 
cuando medidas como el aumento del impuesto sobre el consumo tuvieron un efecto de 
contracción del Producto Bruto Interno en 2014 , la adopción de este tipo de políticas muestra el 
compromiso de Japón para tomar acciones concretas a fin de corregir sus indicadores económicos. 
Estas políticas han tenido un efecto en su crecimiento económico y muestra de ello es que el 
Producto Bruto I nterno (PBI) pasó de una tasa de -0,5% en el año 2011 a una de 0,5% en 2015.  
4.280.   Sin embargo, traducir estas medidas en resultados concretos para acabar con la deflación 
y revitalizar la economía nacional ha sido un reto para Japón no sólo por el entorno econó mico 
internacional sino también por los desastres naturales que lo han afectado. Por esta razón, 
destacamos el compromiso para realizar reformas estructurales con un impacto concreto en su 
población, tales como la estabilización del volumen de la mano de o bra mediante el fomento de la 
participación de las mujeres y las personas mayores. Esperamos que este tipo de medidas 
continúen impulsando la confianza de las empresas y los consumidores, y tengan el efecto 
deseado en el alza del PBI. Este es un reto que e l Japón está afrontando con políticas concretas 
enfocadas en avanzar en la construcción de una economía abierta y la creación de un marco 
jurídico para promover y desarrollar las inversiones en su país.  
4.281.   Resulta loable que el Japón, además de consolidar la  liberación económica, impulse 
igualmente un conjunto de programas que apuntan a la revitalización económica y fiscal, 
incluyendo medidas económicas destinadas, entre otras cosas, a la prevención de desastres 
naturales, la adopción de medidas para apoyar a  las pequeñas y medianas empresas y a las 
comunidades locales. Esperamos que medidas como éstas, así como los esfuerzos por elevar el 
salario mínimo un 3% al año, o los planes para la participación dinámica de todos los ciudadanos 
en la economía, permitan cumplir las metas de bienestar social que el Japón se ha fijado.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.282.   Nuestro país considera positivos los esfuerzos de Japón en pos de complementar el 
sistema multilateral de comercio con acuerdos comerciales bilaterales y regionales. Estos esfuerzos 
son impo rtantes si se tiene en cuenta que el Japón es el cuarto mayor exportador e importador del 
mundo, tanto de mercancías como de servicios. Acogemos con agrado que en 2016 se haya 
actualizado la Ley de aduanas, dentro de un esfuerzo por modernizar la legislaci ón y brindar 
mayor transparencia, fines por los que trabajamos bajo el marco de la OMC. Confiamos en que ello 
tendrá un efecto positivo atrayendo mayor inversión extranjera como se lo propuso el Japón. 
Esperamos que estas políticas de apertura comercial se  extiendan a sectores de gran interés para 
la Argentina, como la agricultura, que sigue estando muy protegida por aranceles de importación 
que se encuentran entre los más altos del mundo, además de la aplicación de otras medidas 
específicas de sostenimient o del mercado.  
4.283.   La República Argentina ha presentado preguntas al Japón relacionadas con sus políticas 
comerciales; por ejemplo, sobre su sistema arancelario sin consolidar para productos de la pesca 
(pescado, crustáceos, algas), aceites de petróleo, y mad era y manufacturas de madera. 
Agradecemos de antemano las respuestas que proporcione el gobierno del Japón, las cuales 
estudiaremos con detalle.  
4.284.   La República Argentina desea continuar trabajando junto a Japón para profundizar los 
lazos bilaterales, en par ticular, en las áreas de agricultura, ciencia, tecnología y salud.  
4.285.   Para finalizar, reiteramos nuestro reconocimiento por esta nueva oportunidad de 
intercambiar opiniones y consideraciones sobre las políticas y prácticas comerciales del Japón y 
resaltamos u na vez más la importancia de este ejercicio de transparencia. Deseamos a las 
autoridades de Japón la exitosa conclusión de este ejercicio.  
MONGOLIA  
4.286.   We thank the delegation of Japan for submitting the replies to our questions on Japan's ad 
valorem  equivalen ts (AVEs) of non -ad valorem  duties.  
4.287.   The 13th Trade Policy Review of Japan provides us a good opportunity to look at the 
current trade, economic and investment policies of Japan, a country which is a long -standing 
major trading and economic partner of Mongo lia that has continuously supported our transition to 
a market economy as the main aid donor.  
4.288.   Mongolia commends Japan's commitment to trade liberalization as well as its constructive 
and active role in the multilateral trading system. We appreciate Japan's  continued support for Aid 
for Trade (AfT) initiatives as well as for the "One Village, One Product" movement, aimed at 
promoting the development of local economies and connecting them into the global value chains.   
4.289.   Mongolia has recently established its f irst free trade agreement (EPA) with Japan, which 
has entered into force in June, 2016. We believe that the effective implementation of this 
agreement would provide an important impetus to further deepening the bilateral trade and 
economic cooperation with  Japan - our strategic partner and one of the largest foreign investors in 
Mongolia.  
4.290.   Taking this opportunity, I would like to express our appreciation to the delegation of Japan 
and the Secretariat for their hard work in preparing for this TPR.  
KENYA  
4.291.   Japan remains one of the key drivers of the global economy. It is the world's fourth -largest 
exporter and importer of goods and services, and the third largest economy in the world. Japan's 
trade and economic performance would therefore, have an impact on glob al economic growth.  
4.292.   Kenya takes note of the continued challenges faced in the economic performance of Japan 
during the review period. We are encouraged to note that Japan has put in place steps aimed at 
implementing structural reforms in a number of areas  with a view to addressing the prolonged 
deflation and revitalizing the economy.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.293.   Kenya therefore welcomes the efforts by the government of Japan to revitalize the 
economy, as outlined in the Revitalization Growth Strategy. We also note that Japan has 
introduced a number of economic plans aimed at improving the country's public finances, debt 
position, and enhancing the competitiveness of the economy.  
4.294.   On trade policy objectives, we note that Japan has continued to promote the multilateral 
trading system whi le at the same time pursuing bilateral and regional trade agreements. We share 
Japan's view that while the WTO should continue to play a role in promoting economic growth and 
development, bilateral and regional trade agreements equally play an important co mplimentary 
role.  
4.295.   Japan has been a strong supporter of the WTO multilateral trading system as 
demonstrated through active participation in both the regular work of the WTO and the 
negotiations. In the context of the current negotiations in particular, Jap an has been at forefront in 
injecting momentum into the discussions through submission of proposals in various areas. We 
also wish to express our appreciation to Japan for providing assistance in support of the 
participation of developing and least develop ed countries in the activities of the WTO.  
4.296.   At bilateral level, Kenya and Japan enjoy a cordial relations and longstanding economic 
ties. The relation is enhanced by regular high -level interactions between the two countries. Kenya 
is one of the major recipi ents of Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) in Sub -Saharan 
Africa.  
4.297.   We appreciate Japan's commitment to the Tokyo International Conference on African 
Development (TICAD) which has been the main forum for promoting high -level policy dialogue 
betwe en African leaders and their partners, and mobilizing support for African -owned development 
initiatives. Kenya was privileged to host the TICAD VI which was held in Nairobi on 27th and 28th 
August last year. It was the first time the Conference was held in  Africa and it brought together 
the largest number of Heads of State and Governments in Nairobi – over 30 African Heads of State 
and Government participated in the Conference.  
4.298.   The delegation of Japan to the Conference was led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which 
was a clear demonstration by the Government of Japan of its commitment in promoting Africa's 
development agenda through strengthening of cooperation and partnership. The delegation also 
included chief executives of more than 70 major Japanese compani es. The presence of the large 
number of companies who participated in TICAD VI in Nairobi was a confirmation of commitments 
by the private sector in Japan to partner with Africa to realize its development goals.  
4.299.   Finally, Kenya submitted questions to Japan on some issues including: the consumption 
tax; notifications in domestic support in agriculture, and volume of food aid; application of non -ad 
valorem  rates; and import quota administration. We appreciate for the answers provided which we 
shall study and r evert in case we may need further clarification.  
TURKEY  
4.300.   Measured on the purchasing power parity basis, Japan stood as the fourth -largest economy 
in the world in 2015. Indeed, as a major player of the global trading system, the crucial role that 
Japan plays  multilaterally is obvious to everyone.  
4.301.   After two decades of economic stagnation, Japan's return to growth is curbed by the twin 
challenges of an ageing population and the mountain of public debt built up during years of 
deflation. Besides that, the serie s of natural disasters that hit the country in recent years further 
hampered the economy and put increased pressure on public finances.  
4.302.   In an attempt to revitalize its economy, in 2013, the Japanese Government launched an 
ambitious, three -pillar programme  of aggressive monetary easing, flexible fiscal policy, and a 
structural reform -focused "growth strategy" intended to put Japan's economy on a path of 
sustainable growth. During the period under review this strategy continued to be the main 
framework for r evitalizing the country's economy. Japan's level of success and means of strategy 
in overcoming deflation and revitalizing its economy would also have great implications on the WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  other economies. Therefore, Turkey encourages Japan to press ahead, especially on the structural 
reforms that could maintain a long term strong and robust economic growth.  
4.303.   As Turkey already underlined at Japan's previous TPR, in addition to low economic growth, 
the highest ratio (246% of GDP in 2015) of public debt to GDP in the worl d and the volatility of the 
Japanese Yen against foreign currencies are the two areas of additional concern. To this end, while 
seeking to stimulate and reform the economy, the government must also devise a strategy for 
restraining Japan's huge government debt. It goes without saying that, these goals could be 
reached through challenging and even painful structural reforms. Fortunately, we observe that 
Japanese authorities are cognizant of the problems and Japanese Government has necessary 
capacity and the willingness to get the business back on track.  
4.304.   At this point, I would like to touch briefly on the leadership role of Japan in international 
development and aid activities. Japan is actively supporting LDCs to build their trade capacity 
through comprehens ive programs such as "Development Initiative for Trade", "One Village One 
Product" and the GSP. Lastly, Japan announced its 100.000 USD donation to support Sudan's 
accession efforts to the WTO on the margins of Sudan's third Working Party Meeting which too k 
place on 31 January 2017.   
4.305.   As stated in the "Japan Revitalizing Policy 2016", the Japanese Government targets to 
double inward FDI stocks to 35 trillion Yen by 2020. The Japanese Government's focus on FDI 
promotion is encouraging. According to the 2015 UNCTAD report on world investment, Japan is the 
8th most attractive destination for multinational companies for 2016 -2018. On the other hand, 
foreign investors in the Japanese market continue to face various challenges, many of which relate 
more to prevail ing social practice rather than government regulations. However, we are happy to 
observe that the Government is pursuing initiatives intended to address each of these challenges, 
and we hope these policies will contribute to an increasingly open and invest or-friendly business 
environment.  
4.306.   On the bilateral front, located at the eastern and western ends of Asian continent, Turkey 
and Japan enjoy very good political relations. As of 2016, 215 Japanese companies are operating 
in Turkey. For the period 2002 -2015, the Japanese foreign direct investment in Turkey amounted 
to US$1.87 billion. Furthermore, in Turkey, many mega -projects have been financed with the 
loans originated from Japan. However, our bilateral trade volume, at around US$4.3 billion in 
2016, neit her reflects the potential of our two economies nor mirrors our excellent political 
relations. It should also be pointed out that our trade with Japan, Turkey's fourth largest trading 
partner in the Asia -Pacific region, registers an enormous surplus in the  Japan's favour. Such 
imbalance cannot be sustained in the long -term.  
4.307.   In this context, to ensure also a relatively balanced bilateral trade, Turkey desires to 
further deepen its commercial and investment relations with Japan and is ready to conclude the 
FTA negotiations, which commenced in 2014.  
4.308.   Finally, with regard to Japan's trade regime, Turkey had submitted a series of questions 
covering a broad range of topics, seeking further clarification on Japan's policy direction and 
approach. We look forward to  Japan's response to these questions.  
4.309.   Before concluding, I would like to highlight the important, active and constructive role of 
Japan in the WTO. And let me also mention that Turkey values the close cooperation we have with 
Japan on this platform and loo ks forward to working with Japan for further trade liberalization in 
the WTO through, inter alia , Trade in Services Agreement and Environmental Goods Agreement 
negotiations in the lead -up to MC11.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.310.   Nos complace mucho participar en este ejercicio , ya que con Japón oficializamos relaciones 
diplomáticas hace 82 años, periodo en el cual hemos obtenido la asistencia de Japón en diferentes 
proyectos de cooperación financiera no reembolsable, así como cooperación técnica, en materia de 
educación, gobern abilidad, transporte, desarrollo del sector privado, conservación del medio 
ambiente, entre muchos otros. Asimismo, destacar y agradecer a Japón por sus aportes y WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  contribuciones dentro del Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA) en su calidad de 
miem bro observador extra -regional.  
4.311.   Nuestros lazos comerciales con Japón también son bastante estrechos, teniendo un 
comercio bilateral bastante complementario. En esta materia, Japón fue el socio comercial número 
18 de nuestras exportaciones que totalizaron 1 6 millones de dólares en 2016, y el número 10 de 
nuestras importaciones las cuales fueron de 157 millones de dólares en ese mismo año.  
4.312.   Dentro de los principales productos exportados a Japón está el café gourmet, siendo 
El Salvador uno de sus principales pr oveedores. Otros de los productos exportados son prendas de 
vestir y calzado. Por otro lado, las importaciones se concentran en productos de hierro y acero, 
vehículos y neumáticos.  
4.313.   En cuanto a la IED en El Salvador, Japón es el inversor número 14, y conta mos con la 
presencia de importantes empresas de diversos sectores productivos. Esta inversión asciende a 
40 millones de dólares al último trimestre de 2015, orientada a sectores tales como componentes 
electrónicos, electrodomésticos y ensamblaje de perifér icos, cables y arneses, y aparatos médicos.  
4.314.   En relación al ejercicio que nos ocupa, el informe de la Secretaría nos permite constatar la 
fortaleza de Japón en términos comerciales, ya que continúa siendo el cuarto mayor exportador e 
importador de mercancí as y servicios del mundo, siendo sus actividades principales el sector de 
manufacturas, específicamente la maquinaria y el equipo de transporte.  
4.315.   De igual forma, observamos que en el último examen realizado hace dos años, Japón dio 
un avance sobre la polít ica "Abenomics" implementada por el Primer Ministro para revitalizar la 
economía, la cual continúan aplicando y ha tenido como resultado la modificación de expectativas 
del mercado, lograr que la economía ya no sea deflacionaria, aumento en las utilidades de las 
empresas, y aumento en la tasa de empleo nacional y los ingresos. También felicitamos a Japón 
por la recién adopción del Programa Estratégico sobre Propiedad Intelectual para promover la 
innovación en materia de propiedad intelectual para la cuarta revolución, promoción y difusión de 
información, promoción de la industria del contenido en nuevas esferas, y desarrollo de la 
infraestructura de sistemas de PI.  
4.316.   En el marco de este ejercicio, hemos remitido las preguntas recibidas recientemente por 
parte  de nuestra capital, por lo que agradecemos de antemano a Japón por las respuestas a las 
mismas.  
4.317.   Por último, quisiéramos resaltar el activo rol de Japón a través de su participación y 
presentación de iniciativas en diversas áreas, por lo que reconocemos su  importante aporte a las 
actividades que se realizan esta Organización. También aprovechamos esta oportunidad para 
agradecer el continuo apoyo de Japón en las iniciativas de las que El Salvador forma parte en la 
OMC.  
OMAN  
4.318.   Japan is an important and active M ember of the WTO. The Sultanate of Oman and Japan 
enjoy excellent historical, economic and trade relations. Bilateral trade between the two countries 
is largely dominated by trade in oil and gas and automobiles. We anticipate further expansion in 
bilateral  trade in the coming years.  
4.319.   We have noted that Japan has bound 98.2% of its tariffs. 159 tariff lines remain unbound. 
12 Members, including Oman, have bound all their tariff lines. We encourage Japan to do the same 
and enlarge the scope of its bindings to 100%.  
4.320.   Oman is pleased to note that Japan has put in place extensive policy measures aimed at 
revitalizing its economy adversely affected by the economic performance during the period under 
review.  
4.321.   Oman commends Japan for its strong support for trade liber alization under the Multilateral 
Trading System embodied in the WTO. Japan is a party to several bilateral, regional and WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  plurilateral trade agreements. We understand that Japan views these as a means of 
complementing WTO trade liberalization negotiations.  
KYRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.322.   Since the beginning of its Membership to the WTO, Japan has demonstrated highest of 
dedications to WTO rules and, as it has been said in the TPR of 2015, Japan has convincingly 
shown its commitment to trade liberalization under the multilat eral trading system centered on the 
WTO continuously.  
4.323.   Among many other successful steps on the WTO platform are Acceptance of Trade 
Facilitation Agreement and Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement.  
4.324.   The diplomatic relations between the Kyrgyz Republic and  Japan were established in 1992. 
For the period of trade and economic relations, Japan has been a reliable trading partner to us.  
4.325.   Regular official visits of high delegations of both countries on a mutual basis have created 
favourable conditions for discus sions of trade and investment between the two countries.   
4.326.   Our countries have discussed a wide range of issues on further expansion of cooperation 
between Kyrgyz Republic and Japan, where the Japanese participants were informed about trade 
and economic opp ortunities of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as actual issues of regional and 
international issues of mutual interest.  
4.327.   The Kyrgyz –Japanese Forum that was held in 2016 has attracted around 17 leading 
Japanese companies as Panasonic Corporation, Mitsubishi Co rporation; Nippon Steel, etc.  
4.328.   Our countries have established beneficial mutual trade. For the last decade, Japan was 
mainly exporting specialized machinery, used vehicles, electrical appliances, and devices to the 
Kyrgyz Republic. The Kyrgyz Republic main ly exported jet fuel and finished products from textile 
products.  
MONTENEGRO  
4.329.   Montenegro would like to associate itself with the statement of the European Union.  
4.330.   Montenegro commends the Government of Japan for its consistent commitment to trade 
liberalizat ion under the multilateral trading system centered on the WTO and its contribution to the 
overall work of the WTO. We use this opportunity to recognize Japan's contribution to the success 
of IX and X Ministerial conferences and its leadership role in final izing the extended Information 
Technology Agreement in Nairobi. With all the challenges we face in approaching MC11, Japan 
remains reliable and creative partner in safeguarding inclusive and transparent international 
trading system and moving forward with our WTO trade negotiations.  
4.331.   Montenegro wishes to draw attention to the positive reports of the Government of Japan 
that it has ensured the implementation of the structural reforms and that economy has continued 
to recover moderately since November 2012, on  the back on improvements in the employment 
and income environments. In particular, Montenegro wishes to draw attention to the comments of 
the Government of Japan that nominal GDP, real GDP and the GDP deflator in FY2015 grew 
simultaneously from the previo us year for the first time in 18 years. Against the background of a 
challenging global economic environment and natural disasters, these are positive statistics. 
Indeed, they are reflected by the fact that Japan's annual GDP growth was 0.5% in 2015. In 
addition, we believe that the new strategy stipulated in the "Five Promises for Attracting Foreign 
Businesses to Japan" and the "Policy Package for Promoting Foreign Direct Investment into Japan", 
will continue to provide more FDI to make Japan an important i nternational trade and investment 
hub.  
4.332.   Montenegro notes that the Government of Japan is pursuing the conclusion of number of 
Economic Partnership Agreements, both bilateral and regional. As the Government of Japan notes, 
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  policy and reinforce the competitiveness of its industries. In this regard, it is already to Japans' 
credit that it is a party to fifteen regional agreements currently in force.  
4.333.   Of particular interest  to Montenegro is the extent to which Japan is involved in bilateral 
activities outside of FTAs with a range of states. In this regard, my delegation wishes to 
congratulate the Government of Japan on the deep trading and economic relationships that it has 
built – and is building – with the United States, the European Union, the Russian Federation, 
China, the Republic of Korea, India, Africa and others. In addition, Japan has extended significant 
trade preferences to number of developing and least developing  countries and has contributed to 
"aid for trade" and other mechanisms for trade capacity building. As a state that is fully committed 
to deep integration with the international community, Montenegro considers Japan as a role model 
for the positive engagem ent with other states.  
4.334.   Bilateral relations between Japan and Montenegro are strong and substantive. Number of 
successful partnership, such as operations of Daido Metal Kotor and recently with Toshiba, marks 
our economic cooperation. In addition, Montenegr o is grateful for over €2.5 million of grants and 
extensive support received from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Montenegro is 
committed to strengthening and broadening our economic and commercial ties in the interest of 
business communities o f both countries.  
4.335.   Finally, Montenegro is looking forward to continuing excellent and constructive 
engagement with Japan in Geneva and my distinguished colleague, Ambassador Junichi Ihara. I 
want to use this opportunity to congratulate him on his appointme nt as the Chair of the Dispute 
Settlement Body.  
SRI LANKA  
4.336.   My delegation notes with interest the achievement of the Japanese economy which has 
continued to recover moderately since November 2012 and improvements achieved in the 
employment and income levels  in financial year 2015. We believe that sound and consistent 
economic policies adopted by Japanese Government and proper implementation strategies have 
contributed towards the positive developments in the economy.  
4.337.   Further, we noted the policy developments  of the "three arrows" of Abenomics, which 
direct to boost corporate profits and expanded national employment and income. It is noteworthy 
the recent amendment to the "operational procedures for government procurement", which 
introduced a "multiple bidding  system", where two or more companies can bid on a project which 
is not allowing one company to supply the full amount of the order alone. Moreover, we noted the 
development in Japanese competition policy, Anti -monopoly Act (AMA) and its amendments.  
4.338.   It is also interesting to note the high degree of predictability in Japan's import tariff. In 
2016, the average applied MFN tariff is 6.1% while the average bound MFN tariff is 6.2%, bringing 
the gap just to 0.1%. We further commend Japan's Minimal use of trade contingency measures 
over its trading partners. With regard to fisheries sector, we have noted with interest the 
contribution made by Japan on the discussion on fisheries subsidies. My delegation appreciates 
Japan's generous commitment towards Aid for Trad e Programmes as well.  
4.339.   Let me briefly reflect on the bilateral relations between two countries. Our bilateral ties 
began in the colonial era of Sri Lanka. The high level visits between the two countries have taken 
place since 1921. The Emperor Showa, when h e was the Crown Prince, has visited Sri Lanka (then 
Ceylon) in March 1921 and the present Emperor Akihito, the then Crown Prince together with his 
wife, Princess Michiko, visited Sri Lanka in 1981. After the Second World War in 1951, Sri Lanka 
representati ve, the late former President of Sri Lanka Mr. J.R. Jayewardene attending the San 
Francisco Peace Conference made the great statement in supporting Japan disclaiming of war 
reparations.  
4.340.   These historic bilateral relations have further strengthened through t he trade. Referring to 
the recent development, the total trade turnover which stood at US$566.4 million in 2004 has 
increased to US$1.6 billion in 2015 registering the significant increase of 183%. Japan is the 10th 
largest market destination for Sri Lanka n products and the 3rd largest supplier to Sri Lanka. 
Export of Apparel products to Japan has become dominant in accounting for 22% of Sri Lankan WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  exports while export of Ceylon Tea accounted for 21% of Sri Lanka's exports to Japan in 2016. 
Motor vehicle is  the top most importing item to Sri Lanka from Japan over the recent years and 
which accounted for 57% of total imports in 2016.  
4.341.   Japan has been a great development partner for Sri Lanka. Grants and funding assistance 
from Japan has contributed significantl y to develop the country's social and economic 
infrastructure. Currently, the Government of Japan has engaged in many development activities in 
the major provinces of the country. Cumulative FDI from Japan is around US$350 million.  
4.342.   Further, Sri Lanka has b een a beneficiary from the Japanese GSP scheme since its 
introduction in 1971. This has facilitated Sri Lanka to strengthen its market positions in Japan.  
4.343.   In the multilateral front, my delegation appreciates Japan's highly valued contribution to 
the multi lateral trading system and its active engagement in the negotiations. The dynamic role 
played by His Excellency the Ambassador Junichi Ihara and his team in Geneva in proactively 
engaging in ongoing activities of WTO is highly commendable.  
4.344.   I take this oppo rtunity to congratulate Ambassador Junichi Ihara on his election as the 
Chair of the Dispute Settlement Body.  
BÉNIN  
4.345.   La délégation du Bénin s'associe à la déclaration faite par le Cambodge au nom du Groupe 
des pays les moins avancés (PMA).  
4.346.   La délégation du Bénin voudrait saluer les efforts déployés par le Japon, depuis le dernier 
Examen en 2015, pour poursuivre la reprise économique amorcée en 2012.  
4.347.   Les réalisations menées ont contribué à relancer les activités économiques et à enrayer la 
déflation.  
4.348.   Il convi ent de souligner également les bonnes tendances du commerce extérieur, traduites 
par l'augmentation de la valeur des exportations et la diminution des importations, en valeurs 
nettes, de même que l'augmentation sensible du montant des stocks d'IED entrants  et sortants 
entre 2013 et 2015.  
4.349.   De même, le Japon a maintenu son option d'ouverture de l'économie, à travers une 
politique commerciale soutenant la libéralisation des échanges.  
4.350.   Dans le domaine des négociations commerciales multilatérales du Cycle de Doha,  le Japon 
apporte une importante contribution aux travaux en cours, avec la recherche de la prise en compte 
de la dimension de développement.  
4.351.   La délégation du Bénin voudrait remercier son Homologue du Japon pour son soutien bien 
apprécié, et l'apport subst antiel qu'elle a fait, à ce jour, dans divers domaines d'intérêts et 
préoccupations exprimés par les PMA.  
4.352.   Elle l'exhorte à poursuivre dans cette voie pour donner des réponses supplémentaires aux 
préoccupations et demandes des PMA.  
4.353.   La délégation du Bénin re mercie le Japon pour l'assistance précieuse qu'elle lui apporte 
dans la réalisation de projets et programmes économiques et sociaux, spécifiquement dans le 
domaine du développement agricole et rural, de promotion de la sécurité alimentaire, de 
construction  d'infrastructures socio -sanitaires et éducatives, toutes les initiatives qui contribuent à 
lutter contre la pauvreté, et soutenir la réalisation des Objectifs de Développement Durable à 
l'Horizon 2030.  
4.354.   Elle félicite l'Ambassadeur Junichi Ihara et son équi pe pour leur engagement dans les 
travaux de négociations commerciales multilatérales, et pour les interactions constructives qu'ils 
font avec les autres délégations, en particulier celles des PMA.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.355.   Elle remercie le Secrétariat de l'OMC et le Gouvernement du  Japon pour les Rapports très 
informatifs élaborés dans le cadre de la présente Session d'Examen des Politiques Commerciales 
du Japon.  
BURUNDI  
4.356.   Du côté bilatéral, le Burundi et le Japon entretiennent d'excellentes relations de 
Coopération depuis 1963, année  à laquelle les deux pays ont établi des relations diplomatiques. Á 
part les visites des autorités de haut niveau échangées entre ces deux pays, les relations de 
coopération entre le Burundi et le Japon se caractérisent par le financement par le Gouverneme nt 
du Japon des bourses de stages et formations en faveur des fonctionnaires burundais et de divers 
projets de développement socioéconomique. Mon Gouvernement salue très positivement la 
présence du Japon dans le pays et se réjouit de l'étape de l'exécution  de ces projets.  
4.357.   L'économie japonaise a continué à enregistrer des résultats économiques médiocres causés 
par l'instabilité monétaire mais aussi par des catastrophes naturelles successives qui ont frappé le 
pays ces dernières années et qui ont encore entra vé l'économie et grevé les finances publiques.  
4.358.   Mais le Burundi salue les efforts du Japon lorsqu'il a mis en place un cadre stratégique 
visant à en finir avec la déflation et à relancer l'économie du pays par une politique monétaire 
audacieuse, une politi que budgétaire flexible ,des réformes structurelles et des mesures de 
stabilisation économique qui lui ont permis d'enregistrer une croissance soutenue à un taux moyen 
annuel de 7% par an depuis 2010 ainsi que la politique monétaire, globalement restrictiv e, qui a 
permis de réduire l'inflation de 7,1% en 2010 à 1,03% en 2014, son niveau le plus bas depuis 
50 ans. 
4.359.   Ma délégation se réjouit également que la croissance a enregistré un léger rebond au cours 
des deux premiers trimestres de 2016 (0,5% et 0,2%, res pectivement) par rapport au repli de 
0,4% observé au dernier trimestre de 2015 et que le principal moteur de cette amélioration a été 
le renforcement relatif de la consommation privée et publique.  
4.360.   Ainsi, le Burundi félicite le Japon pour ses importantes in itiatives et réformes au cours de 
ces dernières années pour renforcer la transparence et l'efficacité de sa politique commerciale, qui, 
une fois libéralisée conformément aux règles de l'OMC, lui permettra de s'investir entièrement 
dans ce régime ouvert et non discriminatoire.  
4.361.   Le Burundi salue la poursuite par le Japon de la conclusion des Accords de partenariat 
économique (APE) bilatéraux et régionaux, ainsi que les accords commerciaux plurilatéraux dont 
les négociations déjà entreprises amélioreront la tra nsparence de la politique économique des pays 
qui y participent et renforceront la compétitivité de leurs branches de production, ce qui aura des 
répercussions positives sur les négociations commerciales multilatérales.  
4.362.   Le secteur agricole reste très prés ent dans certaines régions du Japon et continue donc de 
jouer un rôle important dans l'économie nationale, bien que sa part dans le PIB reste faible. Étant 
donné que l'agriculture fait partie des domaines clés qui peuvent avancer le système économique 
mond ial, ma délégation encourage le Japon à revoir les mesures d'accès aux marchés et à 
continuer à faire des notifications à l'OMC qui sont à jour.  
4.363.   Nous notons également que le rapport du Secrétariat de l'OMC mentionne des pertes 
économiques très importantes des entreprises japonaises causées par la contrefaçon et le 
piratage. Nous encourageons le Japon à renforcer les mesures prises dans ce sens afin de bannir 
ce genre d'handicap économique.  
4.364.   Le Burundi encourage également le Japon à faire entrer en vigueur to utes les lois déjà 
mises en place qui aideront à la stabilisation de son économie et à notifier toutes les règles 
préférentielles pour que les pays en développement en général et les PMA en particulier participent 
effectivement dans le commerce mondial.  
4.365.   Elle l'encourage également à fournir plus d'efforts pour les lignes tarifaires qui ne sont pas 
encore consolidées et à créer un cadre budgétaire stable afin de surmonter toutes les difficultés WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  qui entravent son économie lui permettant de mieux s'intégrer da ns le système commercial 
multilatéral.  
GHANA  
4.366.   Ghana further commends Japan for the continued moderate recovery of the economy since 
November 2012, and for the introduction of "Abenomics" which has seen improvements in the 
employment and income environments,  as noted in the reports.  
4.367.   Japan and Ghana have long enjoyed amicable bilateral relationship which predates Ghana's 
independence. The friendship between the two countries is symbolized by the history of Dr. Hideyo 
Noguchi, a well -respected Japanese medical  researcher who travelled to Ghana in 1927 for yellow 
fever research, and died while studying on the same yellow fever. We also have the popular 
Japanese chocolate products produced from Ghanaian cocoa beans.  
4.368.   Trade between Ghana and Japan is not as large,  with exports comprising mainly of cocoa, 
and marine products and imports made up of automobiles, machinery, tyres and tubes, etc.  
4.369.   Japan provides support to Ghana for continuation of sound macroeconomic management, 
establishment of administrative and finan cial disciplines, and delivery of efficient administrative 
services through capacity building of civil servants and improvement of public financial 
management system, while effectively using budget support mechanism in improving policies and 
regulations.  
4.370.   In May 2016, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged Japan's commitment to provide Ghana 
with US$102 million (¥11.2 billion) in loans to build infrastructure, including a new bridge. To give 
effect to this pledge, a loan agreement has been signed with the Japan I nternational Co -operation 
Agency (JICA) for the construction of a 540 -metre long cable -stay steel bridge over the Volta 
River, marking the resumption of the Yen Loan Scheme after it was suspended when Ghana joined 
the league of the Heavily Indebted Poor Co untries (HIPC) in 2001.  
4.371.   Japan's cooperation through ODA, in the health and medical care fields has been enormous 
including, aid to the tune of ¥2.3 billion, for building a research center at Ghana's Noguchi 
Memorial Institute for Medical Research, a facil ity named after Japanese bacteriologist Dr. Noguchi, 
to strengthen Ghana's capability in responding to threats of infectious diseases. This followed the 
outbreak of EBOLA in the sub -region recently.  
4.372.   Regarding Aid, including bilateral Grant Aid, and Technic al Cooperation, Japan has been a 
dependable ally of Ghana providing over 2 billion Yen in total to Ghana between 2010 and 2014, in 
support of areas such as prevention of Mother -to-Child Transmission of HIV, and 
institutionalization of Pre -Tertiary Teacher Professional Development and Management, 
Rehabilitation of Roads, Funding Poverty Reduction Strategies, and Improvement of Ghana's Power 
Distribution System.  
4.373.   In Humanitarian Assistance, the Government of Japan has been providing assistance to 
Ghana in our  times of need.  
4.374.   In June 2015, emergency relief goods worth 8.5 million Yen were provided to Ghana, 
through the JICA in response to the request from the Government, when the capital city was 
devastated by the twin disaster of flood and fire which took with them over 160 people with 
53,000 others rendered homeless and forced to take refuge from the floods.  
4.375.   Similar assistance had been provided by the government of Japan on several occasions.  
4.376.   At the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development ( TICAD VI), held for 
the first time in Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya, Japan pledged to invest US$30 billion for the future of 
Africa through the development of quality infrastructure, promoting resilient health systems, and 
laying the foundations for peace and stability through Public -Private -Partnerships targeted at 
empowering 10 million Africans through the development of capacities. We are confident that 
Ghana will get its fair share of this pledge to support our industrialization and structural 
transformatio n. WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.377.   As both reports indicate, however, Japan has declared its intent to promoting plurilateral 
negotiations within the WTO and reflect the outcomes of such negotiations on the multilateral 
trading system. Japan is currently a party to sixteen EPAs and is pu rsuing the "Japan Revitalization 
Strategy" which is committed to increasing the FTA coverage ratio to 70% by 2018 from the 
current figure of 39.5%. Reflecting the outcomes of such plurilateral initiatives in the multilateral 
trading system could have benef its as being proposed yet the multiplicity of such negotiations 
while diverting the attention from WTO negotiations also leads to balkanisation of the MTS.  
4.378.   Ghana shares in Japan's renewed commitment to the non -discriminatory, rule -based 
multilateral tradin g system centred on the WTO, to maintain and strengthen the system.  
VIET  NAM 
4.379.   We would like to associate ourselves with the ASEAN joint statement made by Ambassador 
Maria Salleh of Malaysia.  
4.380.   Since November 2012, the Japanese economy has shown recovery with progress seen in 
the employment and income environments. Particularly, we the nominal GDP, real GDP and the 
GDP deflator of Japan in financial year 2015 experienced simultaneous growth from the previous 
year for the first time in 18 years.  
4.381.   For Viet Nam, J apan has been one of our leading trade partners for years. The country is 
Viet Nam's third largest export market. Japan provides us with strategic items such as high -quality 
machines and equipment.  
4.382.   In 2016, Viet Nam's export to Japan reached US$14.6 billi on, up to 3.9% from 2015. 
Import from this country increased by 4.7% year -on-year to US$15 billion.  
4.383.   It is important to note that Vietnamese and Japanese products are complementary. This 
facilitates trade promotion activities and creates potential for devel opment of trade relationship 
between the two countries.  
4.384.   In terms of investment, Japan is currently Viet Nam's second biggest investor with total 
investment of US$42 billion, out of 114 countries and regions investing in Viet Nam.  
4.385.   Viet Nam also appreciate s Japan's support for expanding global trade and its commitment 
to the multilateral trading system. Viet Nam wishes to acknowledge the important work done by 
Japan in support of trade facilitation in the Asia -Pacific region, particularly in South -East Asia . In 
addition, Japan's strong role as a member of APEC further supports our mutual interest and has 
made an important contribution towards facilitating trade flows in the region, as well as helping to 
bring the Trade Facilitation Agreement to a successful conclusion.  
4.386.   In 2017, Viet Nam hosts APEC for the second time and we are closely working with Japan 
in a series of programs, namely supporting industry, e -commerce, quality infrastructure 
investment, infrastructure investment policy review, manufacturing a nd environmental services. 
We look forward to further working with Japan and other Members to make 2017 APEC year a 
great success with tangible outcomes.  
4.387.   In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank and appreciate Ambassador 
Junichi Ihara and his team for the preparation of this review as well as their constructive and 
active contribution and engagement in WTO work and wish Japan a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
MYANMAR  
4.388.   My delegation warmly welcomes this TPR and strongly supports the TPR m echanism which 
aimed at enhancing transparency and understanding of the trading system of its member.  
4.389.   It is also a great pleasure for Myanmar to associate itself with the statements delivered on 
behalf of the ASEAN and the LDCs.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.390.   Myanmar and Japan have esta blished diplomatic relations since 1954. The Myanmar -Japan 
Bilateral Investment Treaty was signed on 15 December 2013.  
4.391.   According to our trade statistics, the volume of trade between our two countries reached 
over US$1,845 million in 2015 -2016 and over US$1 ,449 million in December 2016. Our major 
export items to Japan are clothes, prawn, sesame, jewelry, green mung bean, black turtle bean, 
white kidney bean, raw rubber, raw metal and fish. Myanmar's import products from Japan are 
vehicles and spare parts, ma chines and machinery spare parts, construction materials, electronic 
devices, telecommunication devices, iron and steel products, train and spare parts, plastic and 
chemical products.  
4.392.   Myanmar exporters have enjoyed the GSP Form -A of Japan's GSP scheme. At  present, the 
GSP Form -A is the most benefited preference for our exporters. The value of GSP Form -A reached 
US$710.511 million in 2015 -2016 and US$532.25 million in December 2016. Moreover, the GSP 
Form AJ is also benefited for our exporters and its value  reached US$30.574 million in 2015 -2016 
and US$35.780 million in December 2016.  
4.393.   In terms of the Foreign Direct Investment in Myanmar, the current volume of investment 
from 89 companies of Japan reached US$682.596 million in December 2016 which is the 11th  of 
total FDI in Myanmar.  
4.394.   Japan is the leading investor in Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) located near Yangon. 
It is the first special economic zone built in Myanmar. According to our record, 76 companies from 
15 different countries have already inves ted US$921.80 million in the zone (A) of Thilawa SEZ. 
These investments have created 11,542 job opportunities in total and a win -win situation for both 
the investors and our country.  
4.395.   In order to boost the economy, the Japanese Government has set out three -pillar strategy 
of monetary easing, fiscal stimulus, and structural reforms in the areas of agriculture, energy and 
healthcare.  
4.396.   During this review period, the Bank of Japan has implemented quantitative and qualitative 
monetary easing with the negative in terest rate to boost private consumption. Moreover, Japan 
has adopted a number of economic plans and some structural reforms including the reform of 
corporate governance framework.  
4.397.   In 2015, Japan moved forward to grant tax incentive to innovate basic rese arch activities. 
Competition policy framework and the regulatory regime for SPS and TBT measures of Japan have 
remained largely unchanged in this review period. However, Japan made amendments on the 
Anti-Monopoly Act (AMA) and the regulatory framework for Japan's government procurement in 
2016 particularly for "operational procedures for government procurement".  
4.398.   Agriculture remains an important sector for Japan and it is highly protected with some of 
the highest import tariffs in the sector, tariff quotas for some import products, and specific market 
support. Although the average applied MFN tariff on fishery products was 6.2% in FY2016, import 
quotas has continuously applied to several fish species.  
4.399.   The services sector is key component of Japan's economy. The services sector is broadly 
open to competition except in some areas like broadcasting and medical services. Japan made 
amendments on the Banking Act which includes relaxed measures for agency services and 
intermediary foreign banks.  
4.400.   Japan is an import ant player and active supporter of both regional and multilateral trading 
system. We want to see continuous and effective support of Japan to the WTO especially in 
strengthening its rules -based trading system, enforcing global trade rules, and bringing the  current 
WTO's trade negotiation forward, including the DDA negotiation and the issue like e -commerce.  
4.401.   The delegation of Myanmar is pleased to convey our sincere appreciation to Mr. Tomochika 
Uyama, Deputy Director General, Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministr y of Foreign Affairs, head of 
delegation and his team for their constructive engagement throughout this TPR.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  CAMBODIA  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.402.   Japan is a critical trading partner for LDCs and particularly among Asian LDCs.  
4.403.   LDCs exports to Japan range fro m fuel through textiles and clothing to fish products and 
agricultural goods while imports concentrate on vehicles, machineries and electronics.  
4.404.   In 1996, Japan presented the third largest export destination of LDCs exports accounting 
for nearly 8% of total  LDC export.  
4.405.   In 2015, the relative importance of Japan has slightly declined to become the sixth largest 
export destination representing roughly 3% of LDCs exports.  
4.406.   Such decline is, however, almost entirely due to decreasing exports of fuel from African 
LDCs. 
4.407.   In the meantime, Asian LDCs have seen a steady increase in their exports to Japan and, 
since 2013 these LDCs enjoy a continuous trade surplus in their trade relation with Japan. Such 
spectacular growth is largely due to exports of textiles and clothing  from Bangladesh or Cambodia 
and has contributed to help LDCs diversify their export basket to Japan.  
4.408.   It is important to note that this increase largely coincides with improvement in the 
coverage of the Japanese DFQF schemes not only for agricultural produ cts but also and most 
significantly for textiles and clothing a few years after the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference.  
4.409.   The Group warmly welcomes such enhanced preferential market access scheme granted to 
47 LDCs which today covers around 98% of tariff lines  making it one of the most comprehensive 
DFQF schemes.  
4.410.   As with any DFQF scheme, however, exemptions can have important effects on LDC trade. 
This may be the case of some excluded products such as rice, sugar, fishery products or articles of 
leather where i mproved conditions might contribute to further diversification of the LDCs export 
baskets.  
4.411.   On services preferences, Japan did notify preferences pursuant to the LDC Services waiver 
covering many market access sectors identified of interest to LDC services suppliers. We are 
pleased that Japan notified "None" in modes 1 to 3 for entertainment, convention, franchising, 
hotels and restaurants, investigation, security guard, rental of commercial vehicles with operator, 
telephone answering, and tourist guides.  
4.412.   The Group would like to see Japan improve on its preferences to LDCs by including 
reduction or elimination of administrative red -tape and fees for visa, work permit, residency permit 
and licensing applications.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.413.   The Philippines associates itself w ith the ASEAN statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador 
Mariam Salleh of Malaysia, recognizing the valuable economic partnership between the ASEAN and 
Japan.  
4.414.   The Philippines and Japan have longstanding trade and investment relations. Japan was 
the Philippines ' top trading partner, second top source of foreign direct investments and top aid 
provider in 2015.  
4.415.   The recent visit of the President to Japan in October 2016, reciprocated by a visit of Prime 
Minister Shinzō Abe to the Philippines in January this year, i s a testament to the commitment of 
both Governments to reinvigorate the existing mutually beneficial partnership between our two 
countries.  
4.416.   In 2006, the Philippines and Japan signed the Philippines -­Japan Economic Partnership 
Agreement (PJEPA), which enter ed into force in December 2008. This has notably increased the WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  trade between the Philippines and Japan and has continued to contribute to strengthening the 
economic relations between our two countries. Japan became the Philippines largest country 
market af ter only a few years of PJEPA implementation.  
4.417.   Among the Philippine products that immediately benefitted from tariff elimination and 
reduction from PJEPA were wood carpentry products, bananas, and frozen meat and edible offal of 
fowls, among others. Deploym ent of Filipino nurses and care workers, and Japan's share to total 
investments in the Philippines have also increased since the implementation of PJEPA.  
4.418.   The Philippines looks forward to the convening of the 6th PJEPA Joint Committee Meeting 
in Japan at th e earliest possible opportunity within the first half of the year for the General Review 
of the Agreement, which will provide an opportunity for both Parties to discuss improvements on 
the implementation and operation of the Agreement.  
4.419.   The Philippines note s from Japan's report that maintaining and strengthening the 
multilateral trading system under the WTO remains as a main pillar of Japan's external economic 
policy. Being the world's fourth largest exporter and importer of goods and services, Japan's 
influence and contribution to the global trade and the multilateral trading system cannot be 
overemphasized.  
4.420.   Further, the Philippines recognizes the vital role and active participation of Japan in various 
plurilateral agreements, such as the Information Technol ogy Agreement expansion and the 
Environmental Goods Agreement, which demonstrates Japan's dedication to establishing a more 
solid and conducive basis for enhancing business and trade on a worldwide scale.  
4.421.   With the realization of the ASEAN economic integrat ion in 2015 and the Philippine 
chairmanship of the ASEAN this year, the Philippines looks forward to Japan's expanding trade and 
investment engagements in the region as one of our major dialogue partners.  
ROYAUME  DU MAROC  
4.422.   C'est pour le Maroc un immense pla isir de participer aujourd'hui à cet examen des 
politiques commerciales du Japon au vu de l'excellence des relations d'amitié et de coopération 
entre le Maroc et le Japon.  
4.423.   Ces relations qui ne cessent de se renforcer, dépassant les investissements et couvr ant 
également le soutien du développement socio -économique au Maroc, à l'image de l'agence 
japonaise de coopération internationale (JICA) existant au Maroc depuis 1974, laquelle agence 
apporte de l'aide au développement du Maroc à travers le soutien du dév eloppement durable, la 
promotion de la coopération triangulaire et le redressement du déséquilibre régional et social.  
4.424.   Pour ce qui est des échanges commerciaux, les opportunités de coopération et de 
partenariat entre le Maroc et le Japon sont énormes mais  demeurent néanmoins insuffisamment 
exploités. En effet, ces opportunités de coopération et de partenariat entre le Maroc et le Japon 
ont besoin d'un véritable un coup de fouet.  
4.425.   C'est dans cet esprit et en vue de nous permettre une meilleure compréhension que le 
Maroc souhaiterait saisir cette occasion pour solliciter du Japon les informations suivantes.  
4.426.   En ce qui concerne les activités bilatérales du Japon hors Accord de Libre Échange, le 
Maroc souhaiterait disposer de plus de détails quant au plan d'inves tissement envisagé par le 
Japon pour l'Afrique sur la période 2017 -2018 en termes de services concernés, et en l'occurrence 
si ce plan d'investissement concerne la promotion de la recherche dans le domaine des nouvelles 
technologies.  
4.427.   Au regard du sommet de s TIC du G7, tenu les 29 et 30 avril 2016, et à l'issue de la 
réunion des Ministres à Takamatsu à laquelle les parties prenantes, dont le Japon, ont adhéré aux 
principes fondamentaux et plans d'action visant l'introduction d'un "monde numériquement 
connect é", le Maroc souhaiterait connaitre les mesures envisagées par le Japon au niveau de sa 
politique de coopération extérieure pour favoriser l'ascension des autres pays Membres de l'OMC à 
de tels objectifs.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.428.   Permettez -moi, enfin, de remercier par avance le Ja pon pour les réponses qu'il aimerait 
nous apporter et souhaiter à ce pays ami plein succès dans cet exercice.  
PANAMÁ  
4.429.   Las relaciones bilaterales entre Panamá y Japón son estrechas. Japón fue el segundo país 
en establecer relaciones diplomáticas con Panamá t an solo dos meses después de Panamá haber 
sido constituida como República en 1903.  
4.430.   Si bien alejados geográficamente hemos establecido importantes vínculos políticos, 
económicos y comerciales que han crecido en los últimos años, en particular, en el sector marítimo 
y siendo Japón el cuarto usuario y destinatario de las mercancías que pasan por el Canal de 
Panamá.  
4.431.   En el año 2016, Panamá importó de Japón un total de 314.1 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 
productos como vehículos y productos electrónicos entre otr os. Cabe mencionar que el intercambio 
comercial entre Panamá y Japón asciende a 83.4 millones de dólares EE.UU. La mayor parte de 
esta cifra la representan las reexportaciones de la Zona libre de Colón, monto que se triplicó entre 
2015 y 2016. Actualmente,  Panamá y Japón expanden sus relaciones comerciales en otros 
sectores como minería e infraestructura donde Japón participará en el diseño y construcción de la 
línea 3 del metro de Panamá y el cuarto puente sobre el Canal de Panamá.  
4.432.   El informe presentado po r la Secretaría destaca medidas adoptadas por Japón con el 
objetivo de hacerle frente a grandes desafíos, como sus acciones para mejorar las finanzas 
públicas del país, la estrategia de Gobierno basada en la expansión monetaria, estímulos fiscales, 
y refor mas estructurales en sectores como la agricultura y energía que buscan revitalizar la 
economía. Sus resultados iniciales positivos se ven reflejados en el crecimiento anual del producto 
interno bruto en el 2015.  
4.433.   Asimismo celebramos otras iniciativas que bu scan impulsar la competitividad de la 
economía por medio de la innovación, inversiones a gran escala y la atracción de empresas 
extranjeras. Podemos destacar iniciativas emprendidas por el Japón en el sector de los servicios 
específicamente en el área de s ervicios financieros. Así como celebramos la Estrategia de 
revitalización del Japón de 2014 que busca fortalecer la gobernanza empresarial y fomentar una 
mayor integración de la economía mundial.  
4.434.   No obstante frente a sus progresos, sin duda existen espacio s para seguir mejorando, 
específicamente en áreas como antidumping y la recurrente utilización de medidas en la 
agricultura donde, pese a los cambios en los programas agrícolas, se sigue otorgando un alto nivel 
de ayuda y protección a este sector principal mente a través del sostenimiento de precios. 
Asimismo notamos que durante el periodo de examen, Japón no realizó cambios con relación a la 
ayuda que le brinda al sector pesquero a través de transferencias de fondos públicos.  
4.435.   Para finalizar, deseamos felici tar a Japón por su activa participación en el sistema de 
comercio multilateral y su rol en las negociaciones comerciales que se llevan a cabo en el marco 
de esta Organización.  
URUGUAY  
4.436.   Uruguay desea dar la más cordial bienvenida a la delegación de Japón a e sta importante 
instancia del sistema multilateral.  
4.437.   Nuestro país ha tradicionalmente mantenido amistosas y constructivas relaciones con 
Japón en los distintos ámbitos de la relación bilateral, tanto en el plano político, 
económico -comercial, como de coopera ción y cultura.  
4.438.   Desde el último examen de las políticas comerciales de Japón en el año 2015, se ha venido 
trabajando para que el relacionamiento político y comercial entre el Uruguay y el Japón se 
fortalezca.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.439.   En noviembre de 2015, el entonces recién electo  Presidente Tabaré Vázquez, realizó una 
visita oficial al Japón, donde mantuvo varios encuentros de alto nivel, incluso con el Primer 
Ministro de Japón Shinzo Abe.  
4.440.   En dicho encuentro, se destacó la importancia de Uruguay como HUB logístico 
sudamericano que  Japón podría aprovechar más intensamente.  
4.441.   Durante esta visita se registraron significativos encuentros empresariales y ambas partes 
intercambiaron opiniones sobre el Tratado para la Liberalización, Promoción y Protección de las 
Inversiones entre Uruguay y  Japón, suscrito el 26 de enero de 2015. Se considera a este acuerdo 
como un elemento catalizador para incrementar el intercambio comercial y potenciar las 
inversiones japonesas en el Uruguay.  
4.442.   El intercambio comercial entre Uruguay y Japón se caracteriza p or no haber llegado aún a 
su real potencial. Existe un número importante de inversiones japonesas en Uruguay 
principalmente en el sector automotor, equipos electrónicos, equipos médicos y servicios.  
4.443.   El comercio entre Uruguay y Japón ha resultado históricam ente en una balanza comercial 
favorable para el país asiático. De hecho, la balanza ha presentado para Uruguay una tendencia 
aún más negativa en el bienio 2015 -17. El comercio bilateral es marginal, las exportaciones de 
Uruguay hacia a Japón en 2016 repres entaron tan solo el 0,14% del total de exportado, pero las 
mismas han contado con un comportamiento creciente hasta 2014, donde se registró el valor 
máximo de nuestras exportaciones con una cifra poco significativa de 12,9 millones de dólares 
EE.UU.  
4.444.   A juic io de Uruguay, el intercambio bilateral de productos no refleja todo el potencial de 
ambas partes, lo que indica que es necesario incrementar los esfuerzos y los contactos a nivel de 
operadores privados, pero también acelerar y resolver los obstáculos técn icos al comercio. A estos 
efectos, Uruguay está participando regularmente en la feria de alimentos: FOODEX.  
4.445.   Por otra parte, Uruguay mantiene su expectativa de ingresar al mercado de carne vacuna 
de alta calidad.  
4.446.   Finalmente, quisiéramos reafirmar el interés  de ambos países por aunar esfuerzos para 
alcanzar un resultado positivo en la CM11 y proteger el sistema multilateral de comercio basado en 
normas previsibles, transparentes y equilibradas.  
4.447.   Es de gran importancia que Japón, que tiene una de las economías más grandes del 
mundo, habiendo sido y siendo un actor clave en el comercio internacional y habiéndose 
beneficiado del sistema multilateral, juegue hoy un rol de importancia en la defensa de la 
institucionalidad y el sistema multilateral de comercio.  
HONDU RAS 
4.448.   Inicialmente quisiéramos destacar que en el ámbito de la región centroamericana, Japón, 
ha dedicado a apoyar los esfuerzos realizados por la región para la búsqueda de mayor paz, 
libertad, democracia y desarrollo, lo cual es el objetivo del Sistema de Integración 
Centroamericana (SICA).  
4.449.   En el año 2015, se cumplió el octogésimo aniversario del establecimiento de las relaciones 
diplomáticas entre Japón y Honduras. Ambos países, mantenemos estrechos vínculos, fundados en 
relaciones de amistad, cooperación e intercambio y prueba de ello es que nuestros países 
sostuvieron intercambios importantes, tales como la visita de Su Alteza Imperial, la princesa Mako 
a Honduras, así como la visita del Señor Presidente Hernández a Japón, con lo cual las relaciones 
entre  ambas naciones se han fortalecido aún más, destacando entre las áreas prioritarias temas 
tales como la prevención de desastres, el fortalecimiento de la base socioeconómica, el 
fortalecimiento del sistema de salud y el reforzamiento de la educación básica  entre otros.  
4.450.   Agradecemos y destacamos los proyectos representativos en el tema de la Educación, el 
Proyecto  de mejoramiento de la enseñanza técnica en el área de matemática fase II; En el tema 
de Salud, el Proyecto de Control de la Enfermedad de Chagas F ase 2; En el tema de Cambio WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  Climático, los Antecedentes de la cooperación que brinda JICA ante los Desastres 
Naturales/Proyectos. El JICA a través del Proyecto "Manejo de Cuencas de la Represa 
Hidroeléctrica Francisco Morazán (El Cajón)", apoya la protecci ón del medio ambiente sin olvidar el 
papel central que desempaña el ser humano.  
4.451.   En nuestro país, la agencia de cooperación del Japón, JICA ha realizado el mayor de sus 
esfuerzos orientado al fortalecimiento del recurso humano y hasta la fecha se registran más de 
2,600 becarios hondureños que recibieron capacitación en Japón y terceros países. Al mismo 
tiempo destacamos y agradecemos, el sinnúmero de actividades culturales auspiciadas por el 
Gobierno del Japón en nuestro país.  
4.452.   En lo que respecta al comercio bilateral, importamos de Japón alrededor de 135 millones 
de dólares EE.UU. en vehículos automotores para el transporte de personas y de mercancías, 
laminados en caliente y laminados planos en frio, entre otros, y exportamos alrededor de 
12 millones de dóla res EE.UU. en café, melones, semilla de ajonjolí y camarones y langostinos, 
entre otros.  
4.453.   En relación a los informes presentados, se pone de manifiesto el amplio abanico de 
medidas de políticas públicas destinadas a reforzar la confianza de las empresas y los 
consumidores y consolidar las finanzas públicas basadas en pilares como ser la expansión 
monetaria, los estímulos fiscales y las reformas estructurales en esferas como la agricultura, la 
energía y la atención sanitaria.  
4.454.   Observamos con atención que en 2015, el Japón adoptó medidas destinadas a conceder 
incentivos fiscales para las actividades de investigación básica innovadora y entre las medidas de 
apoyo se incluían un aumento de la tasa de deducción y la ampliación del alcance de los gastos en 
investi gación y desarrollo admisibles en el marco de estos incentivos.  
4.455.   En ese mismo año se modificó la Ley del Sector de las Telecomunicaciones con el objetivo 
de obligar a los operadores de telecomunicaciones a facilitar un documento en que se aclaren los 
detall es del contrato relativo a los servicios de telecomunicaciones designados.  
4.456.   En otro ámbito, un elemento que vale la pena destacar es la modificación de la Ley de 
Prevención de la Competencia Desleal a fin de que los secretos comerciales cuenten con mayor 
protección y se ha ampliado el alcance de los actos que dan lugar a sanciones penales o medidas 
de carácter civil.  
4.457.   En materia de propiedad intelectual, destacamos la entrada en vigencia de la nueva Ley de 
Protección de las Indicaciones Geográficas la que ap lica únicamente a las indicaciones geográficas 
de alimentos, bebidas y productos agropecuarios y marinos y que nuestras autoridades en capital 
estarán estudiando.  
4.458.   Finalmente, Honduras felicita a Japón por sus importantes esfuerzos y logros durante el 
período de examen y les deseamos el mayor de los éxitos en la presentación de su Decimotercer 
Examen de Políticas Comerciales.  
PAKISTAN  
4.459.   Pakistan and Japan enjoy extremely cordial and friendly as well as good bilateral relations 
since the creation of Pakistan in  1947. In 1952, Pakistan opened its Embassy in Tokyo. This year 
marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries. Japan extends 
economic cooperation as well as humanitarian assistance to Pakistan in its time of crisis in the 
form o f earthquake & flood relief and rescue operations.  
4.460.   Japan has been a source of inspiration for Pakistan as it established its industry and 
economy in the 1950s and 1960s. The bilateral trade between both countries stands at around 
2 billion yen with the bal ance tilted heavily in favour of Japan. Pakistan's major exports to Japan 
comprise textile yarn, textile goods, articles of leather, and crustaceans whereas Pakistan imports 
automobiles, machinery, and steel from Japan.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.461.   In February 2011, the two sides sig ned the Joint Statement on Japan -Pakistan 
Comprehensive Partnership. Despite this, the tremendous potential of economic relations between 
both the countries remains unfulfilled.  
4.462.   During the review period, Japan's economic performance was subdued mainly due  to the 
effects of an aging and declining population in addition to a series of natural disasters that hit the 
country in recent years. The Government's strategy of monetary easing, fiscal stimulus, and 
structural reforms (in areas such as agriculture, ene rgy, and healthcare) has produced mixed 
results. In 2014, real GDP contracted by 0.03%, due to lack of domestic demand. Domestic 
consumption slightly increased in 2015, leading to an annual GDP growth of 0.5. Since Japan's 
previous review, the structure of  its economy has remained largely unchanged, with services 
accounting for the largest share of GDP (72%).  
4.463.   Even though Japan is the world's fourth -largest exporter and importer of goods and 
services, it is a matter of concern that both merchandise imports and exports declined between 
2014 and 2015. Because of the major economic role of Japan in the world economy, its domestic 
slowdown can have an impact for the entire global economy.   
4.464.   In 2015, the stock of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) remained at  around 4% of 
GDP, which continues to be smaller than in other major developed economies. Japan maintains a 
general policy of attracting FDI which is very positive. In this vein, Pakistan will appreciate further 
efforts of Japan to assist the multilateral system to start a discussion on investment facilitation for 
development.  
4.465.   Pakistan commends Japan's initiative in granting tax incentives to innovative basic 
research activities. Support measures included an increase in the deduction rate, and the 
expansio n of the scope of research and development expenses that qualify under the incentive 
framework.  
4.466.   Pakistan is pleased to note that the services sector, a key component in Japan's economy, 
is broadly open to competition, except in selected areas such as cert ain broadcasting and medical 
services.  
4.467.   Pakistan is also highly appreciative of the efforts of Japan's Mission to the WTO, headed by 
His Excellency Mr. Junichi Ihara  Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO, for their 
pro trade stance and their continuous efforts to uphold the multilateral trading system. In addition, 
we welcome his appointment as the DSB Chair and wish him all the best.  
REPÚBLICA  DOMINICANA  
4.468.   En este décimo tercer examen de política comercial del Japón, deseamos felicitar a las 
autoridades japonesas, porque aunque el período objeto de examen fue de nuevo un período de 
poca actividad económica, las autoridades han aplicado una amplia gama de me didas de política 
destinadas a reforzar la confianza de las empresas y los consumidores y consolidar las finanzas 
públicas. La estrategia del Gobierno está basada en tres pilares - expansión monetaria, estímulos 
fiscales y reformas estructurales en esferas  como la agricultura, la energía y la atención sanitaria - 
las cuales nos parecen acertadas y son el marco estratégico principal para acabar con la deflación 
y revitalizar la economía nacional.  
4.469.   En 2014, el PIB real se contrajo un 0,03%, como repercusión d el aumento del impuesto al 
consumo, pero en el 2015 el consumo interno subió ligeramente, y esto se tradujo en un 
crecimiento anual del PIB del 0,5%.  
4.470.   El informe de la Secretaría indica que las autoridades japonesas continúan haciendo 
esfuerzos para impuls ar el consumo privado, mediante la expansión monetaria cuantitativa y 
cualitativa con un tipo de interés negativo. En el ámbito fiscal, se han adoptado varios planes 
económicos que tienen por objetivo, entre otras cosas, mejorar las finanzas públicas del p aís 
(incluida la deuda) e impulsar la competitividad de la economía por medio de inversiones a gran 
escala. También se han puesto en marcha reformas estructurales, por ejemplo para incrementar la 
población activa y mejorar el marco de gobernanza empresaria l del país. Todas estas medidas nos 
parecen acertadas y tendrán sus efectos positivos en el futuro.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.471.   También, el Japón mantiene una política general orientada a captar inversiones extranjeras 
directas. En marzo de 2015, se anunciaron cinco medidas destinad as a atraer empresas 
extranjeras, entre ellas la mejora del entorno educativo para los niños extranjeros, lo cual es muy 
positivo.  
4.472.   En el período examinado, en general no ha variado mucho la política comercial de Japón. 
Dentro de las novedades más importan tes se pueden mencionar: los cambios en el marco 
reglamentario de la contratación pública, en mayo de 2016, en virtud de los cuales, se introdujo 
un "sistema de ofertas múltiples" mediante el cual dos o más empresas pueden presentar sus 
ofertas para un pro yecto si una de ellas no puede satisfacer la totalidad de la cantidad licitada por 
sí misma. En marzo de 2014, el Japón aceptó el Acuerdo sobre Contratación Pública (ACP) 
revisado, que entró en vigor en el país el 6 de abril de 2014. También se registraron  cambios 
interesantes en el área de la propiedad intelectual, como son: la aplicación de una ley específica 
sobre las indicaciones geográficas de alimentos, bebidas y productos agropecuarios y marinos; el 
fortalecimiento de la protección de los secretos co merciales; y diversas modificaciones de la Ley de 
Patentes, la Ley de Marcas de Fábrica o de Comercio, la Ley de Dibujos y Modelos Industriales y la 
Ley relativa a las Solicitudes Internacionales presentadas en el marco del Tratado de Cooperación 
en materi a de Patentes.  
4.473.   El sector agrícola continúa desempeñando un papel importante para la economía nacional 
en algunas partes del Japón, a pesar de que su contribución al PIB sigue siendo pequeña. La 
agricultura sigue estando muy protegida por medio de algunos de los aranceles de importación 
más altos y de medidas específicas de sostenimiento del mercado.  
4.474.   El sector de servicios, es el elemento fundamental de la economía japonesa, representando 
el 72% del PIB, y está ampliamente abierto a la competencia, excepto  en esferas específicas como 
determinados servicios de transmisión o servicios médicos. Entre los principales cambios 
introducidos durante el período de examen está el marco reglamentario de los servicios financieros 
que incluyen varias enmiendas a la Ley de Banca. Estas enmiendas han relajado parcialmente los 
requisitos en materia de servicios de agencia e intermediación aplicables a los bancos extranjeros.  
4.475.   Para terminar, deseamos felicitar al Japón y exhortarle para que siga realizando las 
reformas estruc turales necesarias para mejorar el funcionamiento de su economía, y les deseamos 
muchos éxitos en este su examen de política comercial y en el futuro.  
NEPAL  
4.476.   The delegation of Nepal wants to subscribe the statement delivered by Cambodia on behalf 
of the LDC  Group Coordinator.  
4.477.   As a founding Member of the WTO, Japan has been a faithful supporter of the multilateral 
trading system and remains committed to uphold its fundamental values and principles. The role 
played by Japan in the WTO, especially in deriving d evelopment outcomes at the Doha 
Development Round for protecting and promoting interests and concerns of developing and least 
developed Members, is commendable. As one of the largest economies and the fourth largest 
exporter and importer of goods and servi ces, Japan has a profound role to play in strengthening a 
rule-based, transparent, free and fair multilateral trading system.  
4.478.   The Economic performance of Japan during the review period remained not very 
encouraging. However, through the three -pillar strat egy of monetary easing, fiscal stimulus and 
structural reforms, Japan is moving towards a positive direction of recovery. In this respect, the 
current economic policy and strategy popularly known as "Abenomics" has been playing an 
instrumental role in boos ting the confidence of the businesses and consumers.  
4.479.   A large number of developing countries, including LDCs, are benefitting from the GSP 
scheme of Japan. For LDCs, Japan has been providing Duty Free Quota Free market access with a 
wide coverage of their p roducts. We encourage Japan to further facilitate DFQF for LDCs by 
making the rules of origin provisions more transparent and up -to-date in line with the Nairobi 
decision in this respect. Similarly, Japan can play a leading role in the implementation of se rvices 
waiver for the LDCs and can set good examples.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.480.   We appreciate that the Government of Japan became the first Member in 2017 to 
contribute to the WTO's DDA Global Trust Fund (DDA GTF) which is used to support LDCs to 
participate in the trade negotiati ons.  
4.481.   Nepal appreciates the generous support of Japan for developing countries and LDCs in Aid 
for Trade. Japan has been an important source of FDI, and the outflow of FDI from Japan is on an 
increasing trend. In a recent "Nepal Investment Summit" held in Kathmandu, investment 
commitment of Japan to Nepal is highly encouraging.  
4.482.   The relationships between Nepal and Japan are multi -faceted and highly valued from 
political, economic, socio -cultural and educational points of view. We want to recall that we 
marked the 60th anniversary on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and 
Japan last year by organizing a wide range of events with the presence of high level dignitaries of 
both countries.  
4.483.   Japan is one of the most important partners in Nepal' s development initiatives. We 
commend the continued support of the Government of Japan in the socio -economic development 
of Nepal. We anticipate continued flow of financial and technical cooperation in meeting our trade 
capacity building needs and infrastr ucture development.  
4.484.   Japan is the 8th largest trading partner for both import and export of Nepal. Nepal exports 
mainly paper products, garment, coffee and tea to Japan while our imports constitute mostly 
motor vehicles, hydraulic turbines, medical instrum ents and chemicals.  
4.485.   Finally, we commend the role played by Japan in advancing the rules -based open and fair 
multilateral trading system. We wish all success for the achievement of growth targets in the 
economy and consolidate path towards a full recovery.  
NIGERIA  
4.486.   During the review period, Japan's economic performance remained sluggish in light of, 
among others, low inflation and an aging and declining population. The series of natural disasters 
that hit the country in recent years further hampered the econ omy and put increased pressure on 
public finances. The authorities have responded with extensive policy measures with a view to 
boosting business and consumer confidence and consolidating public finances. The Government's 
three -pillar strategy of monetary easing, fiscal stimulus, and structural reforms continues to be the 
main strategy framework for exiting deflation and revitalizing the country's economy. We, 
therefor, wish to commend Japan for its efforts to address these challenges.  
4.487.   The institutional fra mework for general trade policymaking in Japan and its trade policy 
objectives have remained largely unchanged since its previous review in 2015. Japan has 
participated in all work of the WTO and pursuing domestic reforms to improve its competitiveness. 
Japan deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) on 1 June 
2015. Since 1 January 2015, Japan has not been involved in any dispute settlement cases as a 
respondent; it has been involved in 6 cases as a complainant. In thi s context, Nigeria wishes to 
congratulate Japan for the efforts to participate in the multilateral trading system.  
4.488.   Nigeria and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1960. Since then, both countries have 
continued to enjoy cordial bilateral relations, w hich resulted in numerous high -level exchanges and 
visits by our leaders. Last August, on the margin of the 6th TICAD in Nairobi, Kenya, President 
Muhammadu Buhari had fruitful bilateral talks with Prime Minister Chinzo Abe, at which they 
discussed the pro blems militating against the inflow of Japanese investment to Nigeria and they 
agree on a number of issues. In addition, the two countries also share a lot of values and mutual 
interests in areas such as the multilateral trading system and tackling climate  change.  
4.489.   Japanese companies have made significant mark in Nigeria in manufacturing, 
petrochemical, hydro -power plants, among others. Presently, Japan is a major purchaser of 
Nigeria's liquefied natural gas. We hope that the two countries would continue to cooperate so that 
we can expand the investment opportunities that exist in Nigeria.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.490.   As Member of the WTO, Japan has continued to play a leading role in the DDA 
negotiations; Nigeria hopes to continue further collaboration in the negotiations with Japan.  
GEORGIA  
4.491.   Japan is one of the leading economies across the globe with significant impact on overall 
economic performance, and has a vital importance in relation to the smooth functioning of the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.492.   In light of the depressed economic a ctivities in recent years, caused by persistent low 
inflation alongside with natural disasters and other economic decelerations, Japan's economic 
performance has been improving with the slower than usual GDP growth.  
4.493.   In this context, Japan launched a strate gy to revitalize country's economy, which was 
primarily focused on the implementation of bold monetary policy, flexible fiscal policy and 
introduction of structural reforms. Aforesaid is envisaged to be a guarantee for the increased 
economy and consequent GDP growth by improving business climate, promoting SMEs, enhancing 
country's integration into the world economy through trade agreements.  
4.494.   I am delighted to stress that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between 
Georgia and Japan in 1992, clo se cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats has been 
dynamically developing in many areas.  
4.495.   With the support from the Government of Japan, multiple technical assistance programmes 
have been implemented in Georgia within the Japan International Coop eration Agency (JICA) 
framework. They are aimed at the rehabilitation and development of the economically vital areas 
and I would like to reiterate sincere gratitude for the continuous support.  
4.496.   It is important to note that despite the geographical distanc e, there is an active 
cooperation in trade, however, it has to be stressed that bilateral trade data between our states 
does not reflect the real potential we have in this direction. I believe that export and import 
dynamics will be significantly improved in the coming years.  
4.497.   In addition, I would like to highlight that, although overall trade turnover between the two 
countries decreased as compared to last year, there are some positive export tendencies reflected 
in increase of exports of such products as wine, ferroalloys, crude aluminum and others.  
ISRAEL  
4.498.   Israel and Japan enjoy healthy and strong bilateral ties.  
4.499.   On the trade front, Israeli exports to Japan consisting primarily of polished diamonds, 
chemical products, machinery, electrical equipment, and c itrus fruit reached US$765 million by the 
closing of 2015. In turn, Japanese exports to Israel, consisting primarily of automobiles, 
machinery, electrical equipment, and chemical products amounted to US$1.39 billion. Although our 
trade record is good, ther e is clearly large potential for growth.   
4.500.   It is in the science and technology area where the potential is beginning to take hold, as 
Israel and Japan continue fostering strong ties between scientific communities through ongoing 
projects and academic excha nges among universities and specialised research centres. In fact, in 
2015, pursuant to reciprocal Prime Ministerial visits, Israel and Japan gave a boost to this type of 
collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation for increased research, economic  and 
cultural ties, including in the area of security and research and development. As a result, to give 
but one example, Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization and 
Israel's Innovation Authority signed a Memorandum of Underst anding developing a framework to 
encourage and support joint R&D projects - which has already delivered joint industrial R&D 
projects. Also, an agreement for the liberalization, promotion and protection of investment 
between Israel and Japan came into forc e in the period under review.  
4.501.   With regard to Japan's trade regime, Israel takes note that it has remained broadly 
unchanged since the last review, we note, however, the adjustments in tariffs with increases in WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  simple average applied MFN tariff rate from 5. 8% to 6.1%, and simple average applied rate for 
agriculture up to 16.3% from 14.9%; and also a decrease from 3.7 to 3.6% for non -agricultural 
products.  
4.502.   We would like to commend Japan's efforts towards revitalizing its economy by noting that 
even in the mid st of adverse global conditions, Japan continues to fight a persistent low inflation 
and slow economic performance through a market -friendly, multi -pronged, structural policy effort. 
While the implementation of structural reforms continue, we acknowledge t hat applying changes in 
monetary, fiscal, labour, and other market -oriented policies take time, we also note that the pace 
has been slower than desirable.  
4.503.   Israel believes that competition policy is an important instrument to provide a level -playing 
field a mong domestic and foreign competitors, it is in this connection that we are interested in 
hearing further about Japan's practice of its Anti -Monopoly Act which provides for several 
exemptions. There are other aspects of Japan's policy practice in which we are interested in 
hearing Japan's elaborations, such as the conditions imposed on FDI incoming into Japan, or about 
the breadth and depth of the tax incentives for innovative research activities under the incentive 
framework currently in place. With regard  to public procurement, like other GPA parties, we also 
share some concern about the level of participation of foreign bidders in Government Procurement 
activities in Japan.  
4.504.   On the negotiations front, we both are parties to plurilateral initiatives such as  the 
Information Technology Agreement, Trade in Services Agreement and the Environmental Goods 
Agreement. On the multilateral front, we collaborate closely on a number of matters relating to the 
DDA, as well as notably on agricultural matters in the WTO in  the context of the Group of 10 
(G10), and in the Rules area as Friends of Anti -Dumping Negotiations where Japan is committed to 
enhancing anti -dumping disciplines.  
4.505.   Before concluding, let me stress the important and constructive role that Japan plays in 
maintaining, preserving and reinforcing a healthy rules -based, multilateral trading system. In this 
year we look forward to pursuing and further enhancing our close cooperation with Japan towards 
delivering meaningful results in MC11.  
MOZAMBIQUE  
4.506.   We wish to c ommend the Government of Japan for the various reforms undertaken which 
led to economic improvements and even though moderate, to the increase of the GDP that is a 
gain and positive performance since the previous Trade Policy Review.  
4.507.   During the period unde r review, the Japanese Government undertook different reforms 
aiming at increasing the business environment and a better economic performance, and, despite 
all the efforts, challenges due to global economic environment, was faced.  
4.508.   Mozambique and Japan shar e friendly relationship and cooperation, being Japan a huge 
partner in the area of food security through the Food Aid Programme. A Bilateral agreement was 
signed and friendly and trade relations also characterise the relations between Japan and 
Mozambique,  being some of the goods being traded; Heavy sands, cotton, coal, wood, minerals, 
sea products, machinery, oil, and others.  
4.509.   Japan has been one of the major supporters of development in Mozambique and assisted 
the country for the realization of the Maputo C onference in 2015.  
4.510.   Japan has been extending multiform assistance to Mozambique, even recently, in assisting 
the Victims of natural disasters, assistance for programmes for the benefit of the local 
Communities, Small and Medium Enterprises, support to prod uctive processes, food aid, technical 
capacity, infrastructure development, support for enhancement and diversification of productive 
capacity and exports, agro -processing, these so to mention some.  
4.511.   My delegation would like to seize this opportunity to rei terate gratitude for all the 
assistance provided by the Government of Japan.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  4.512.   It is with no doubt that Japan will continue to undertake reforms for a more conducive 
business environment, investment, and economic prosperity, and others.  
4.513.   We commend Japan for  the participation at the multilateral Forum, and urge the country to 
continue to play its important role for a more resilient multilateral trading system, strengthened 
WTO, where inclusion, bottom up approach and participation are predominantly observed.  
JORDAN  
4.514.   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 preparation for the trade policy review and 
preparing this report.  
4.515.   We would like to thank the Head of the del egation for his opening statement and detailed 
introductory remarks which show the positive developments in the Japanese economy and the 
continued structural reforms, in addition to Japan's commitment to the multilateral trading system. 
I would like also t o thank the Secretariat for their excellent report and the discussant for his 
insightful remarks.  
4.516.   Jordan and Japan enjoy excellent bilateral economic relations and bilateral trade in 2015 
exceeded US$620 million.  
4.517.   We wish Japan a fruitful and a successful Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF JAPAN A ND ADDITIONAL COMMEN TS 
5.1.  I would like to thank all the Members for their participation in Japan's TPR on Wednesday as 
well as today.   
5.2.  Thanks to your able chairmanship, Mme Chair, as well as valua ble inputs by the Secretariat 
and the excellent presentation made by the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Braithwaite, discussions 
on Wednesday and partially today were very substantial reflecting deep insight about Japanese 
economy. They captured a variety of elements from a unique perspective of each Member covering 
not only trade relations with Japan but also much broader ones.  
5.3.  I sensed that there were enormous interests about the Japanese economic and trade policies 
and strong expectations on Japan's contin ued contributions to the world economy, including 
assisting development of developing counties, as well as to maintaining and strengthening free 
trade and multilateral trading system embodied in the WTO.  
5.4.  I really would like to thank all the interventions m ade so far, in particular those stating their 
kind encouragement of continuing and enhancing our existing efforts.  
5.5.  Those comments covered the on -going three arrows of Abenomics, in particular structural 
reforms, Japan's active participation in trade negoti ations for enhancing free trade and the 
multilateral trading system, covering bilateral, regional, plurilateral and multilateral levels, and 
works of day -to-day business in different Councils and Committees of the WTO.  Aid for Trade and 
other development assistance and works for a successful MC11 this coming December were also 
mentioned by many.  
5.6.  Japan here again would like to express our renewed commitment to continue our efforts.  
5.7.  There were also a number of issues or concerns, asking for further improveme nt. I also 
would like to thank those interventions.  
5.8.  Thrust of discussions, including those points, was reported to the relevant Ministries of the 
Japanese Government in Tokyo for preparations to respond today.  
5.9.  Since the points of interests were so many in numbers and encompass so many different 
sectors, I may need to focus those issues which attracted attention of a number of Members.  
5.10.   In any event, Japan will respond, in writing, to all the remaining written questions which 
were submitted later, so that it would be appreciated if delegations could refer to our responses in 
writing for their individual questions.  
Macroeconomic policies  
Public debt  
5.11.   Some Members referred to the volume of Japan's public debt. The Government of Japan has 
established a fiscal cons olidation target and a concrete medium -term plan to achieve the target.  
5.12.   Specifically, our target is to achieve a primary surplus of the central and local governments 
by FY 2020 and to steadily reduce the public debt to GDP ratio thereafter.  
5.13.   Under the above -mentioned fiscal consolidation plan, the Government of Japan is 
undertaking both expenditure and revenue measures. On the expenditure side, the Government of 
Japan will implement a set of reforms based on a comprehensive reform roadmap, and control the 
growth of expenditure, particularly social security expenditure, in accordance with the 
pre-determined benchmarks. On the revenue side, the Government of Japan will raise 
consumption tax rate in October 2019.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  FDIs 
5.14.   There were comments regarding FDIs into Jap an. In Japan, introducing FDI itself is not 
subject to restrictions in principle. Exceptions are limited to a few sectors, such as aircraft, 
weapons, and nuclear power.  
5.15.   Of course, like in other countries, domestic regulations exist in various sectors where  you 
are doing business. According to a survey, however, some of the regulations are complicated and 
could be an obstacle for foreigners to do business in Japan.  
5.16.   The Government of Japan, therefore, is making efforts aiming to become "the most 
business -friendly county in the world". The efforts include regulatory reforms in such fields as 
energy, healthcare and agriculture.  
5.17.   Among a variety of efforts for promoting regulatory reforms, simplification of regulations 
and administrative procedures that affect FDI s into Japan are under consideration in a 
governmental working group. This working group adopted an interim report last December and will 
provide a conclusion around this spring.  
5.18.   Regarding the question concerning the measures providing incentives to attrac t FDIs in the 
field of research and development, the answer is the following. The Government of Japan has 
provided financial assistance on expenses incurred by foreign companies for establishing an R&D 
center, conducting experimental studies and undertakin g a feasibility research in collaboration with 
Japanese companies, universities and research institutes. In addition, the Government of Japan 
has improved a living environment in Japan for foreign nationals, through introducing such 
measures as the increas e of medical institutions with bilingual staffs and the educational support 
for foreign children.  
5.19.   Regarding the question concerning the benefits for foreign investors operating in the 
National Strategic Special Zones, special measures in a variety of field s are introduced, with the 
aim of creating the world No. 1 business environment in Japan, where the private sectors can fully 
exercise their potential and, thus, leading to economic growth. Those are special regulatory 
measures, tax reliefs and subsidies.  
5.20.   Specifically, the newly established Tokyo One -Stop Business Establishment Center offers a 
comprehensive support for facilitating procedures related to starting business by global companies. 
The current requirements of resident status for the "Investor/Busi ness Manager" visa category can 
be relaxed in the National Strategic Special Zones, if an agreement is reached between the 
national Government, local authorities and the relevant private enterprises.  
Trade policies  
ITA 
5.21.   Some Members made comments concerning  the status of the implementation of the 
Expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) in Japan. The Government of Japan has 
submitted the Expansion of the ITA to the Diet on 24 February this year, and is now waiting for 
approval by the Diet.  
Trade Remedies  
5.22.   Regarding the comments from some Members concerning trade remedies, Japan has 
implemented and will continue to implement, as necessary, those measures in accordance with the 
WTO Agreement.  
Fishery Subsidies  
5.23.   Some Members referred to fisheries su bsidies. The purpose of developing the disciplines on 
fisheries subsidies is to achieve and maintain sustainable use of fisheries resources. For this 
purpose, the implementation of effective fisheries management by coastal countries and regional 
fisheries management organizations is primarily important. In this context, Japan is in a position WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  that the prohibition of fisheries subsidies should address those which cause overcapacity and 
overfishing. In other words, fisheries subsidies which are subject to pro hibition should be those 
contributing to fishing activities that negatively affect fish stocks that are in an overfished 
condition, and fisheries subsidies provided for IUU, or illegal unreported unregulated, fishing 
vessels.  
Tariff 
5.24.   Concerning the comments  on a possible expansion of Japan's bound tariff lines in the WTO, 
it must be noted that the current tariff -binding coverage in the Japanese schedule in WTO merely 
reflects the previous WTO negotiations including the Uruguay Round. Possible development is 
subject to negotiations in the future, which are not possible for us to make any judgment at this 
stage. Regarding the tariff rates for footwear, those tariff rates are determined appropriately, 
taking the needs of relevant domestic manufacturers into care ful consideration.  
Import of Industrial Products  
5.25.   Some Members made comments regarding the difficulties in exporting industrial products 
such as automobiles to Japan. Since the Government of Japan neither imposes tariffs on imported 
automobiles nor implemen ts discriminatory measures by any means including non -tariff barriers, 
we recognize Japan's automobile market is sufficiently open.  
Preferential Rules of Origin  
5.26.   Regarding the preferential rules of origin for LDCs, Japan  has communicated  its status of 
imple mentation  according to the  MC10 Ministerial Decision in the communication submitted to the 
Committee on Rules of Origin dated 20 December 2016 (document G/RO/81). Japan is prepared to 
conduct a detailed examination on its implementation of the Ministerial Decision on preferential 
rules of origin for LDCs.  
Customs procedures  
5.27.   Several Members commented on the development of Japan's Authorized Economic Operator 
(AEO) program as well as a mutual recognition arrangement on AEOs.  
5.28.   The recent revision of the Customs  Law of Japan allows AEO importers, exporters and 
customs brokers to file an import/export declaration to any Customs office in Japan regardless of 
the location of their goods. Japan expects this will be a new benefit for AEOs and, therefore, will 
serve as  an incentive to become an AEO.  
5.29.   Japan has mutual recognition arrangements on AEOs with eight WTO Members. Consultation 
is also in progress for the possibility of future mutual recognition arrangement with three WTO 
Members. In order to promote trade facil itation further, Japan will be actively engaged in 
promoting AEO mutual recognitions.  
Agriculture  
5.30.   Japan appreciates many Members' comments on Japan's agricultural policy.  
Japan's import of agricultural products  
5.31.   At the outset, while maintaining foundation f or agricultural production, Japan imports a 
large amount of agricultural products from abroad. Specifically, the net import of agricultural 
products in 2013 was US$58.2 billion, which was the second largest in the world, thus, 
contributing to the developme nt of world food exporters' economies.  
Trade measures on agricultural products  
5.32.   A number of Members mentioned agricultural support and protection of agricultural 
industries in Japan. Japan's existing measures on agricultural products, including tariffs of v arious 
levels, TRQ administration, state trading as well as domestic support are all consistent with the WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  WTO Agreement. Regarding TRQs, the administrating method is determined based on the 
characteristics of each product. Japan is making utmost efforts so that the quota allocation and its 
administration are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, including making those operations 
public through WTO notifications and Government website. Regarding domestic support, Japan has 
reviewed its market price supp ort policies and introduced and expanded direct payments.  
Notifications  
5.33.   Regarding the notifications of domestic support pointed out by some Members, Japan has 
notified the WTO of the data up to FY2012. The notification of the data for the following year is  
under preparation and Japan will do its best to submit the data within the first half of this year.  
Wood  
5.34.   Regarding a comment concerning the Law related to legally -harvested wood, related 
ordinances for implementing the Law are currently under preparation.  Japan will implement the 
Law consistently with the WTO Agreement.  
Agricultural reform  
5.35.   Japan also noted comments on the agricultural reform from a number of Members. As I 
explained on Wednesday, robust agricultural reform is under way. For example, the Gov ernment of 
Japan revised "the Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas" in March 2015. This Plan sets 
out the objectives of increasing incomes in the agriculture sector and rural areas by increasing 
domestic and export demand, improving value chain s and promoting structural reform.  
5.36.   Especially, as for increasing exports of agricultural products, the Government established 
"the Plan for Empowering Export on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries" in May 2016, in order to 
promote consumption of Japanese a gricultural, forestry and fishery products in the global market.  
5.37.   In addition, the Government is committed to implement further reforms, including through 
cost reduction of production materials and structural reforms in the distribution sector, with a view 
to enhancing the competitiveness of Japanese agriculture.  
SPS/TBT  
SPS 
5.38.   There was a concern raised on Japan's SPS measures on the imports of agricultural 
products. The Government of Japan establishes food standards on the basis of sound science and 
is making  efforts to harmonize them with relevant international standards. For example, the 
Government of Japan takes into account the Codex standards whenever reviewing Maximum 
Residue Limits (MRLs) for agricultural chemicals and food additive standards, in accord ance with 
Article 3.1 of the WTO SPS Agreement. The Government of Japan, when necessary, sets food 
standards which are different from the Codex standards but those are based on scientific evidence. 
These measures are consistent with Article 3.3 of the SPS Agreement.  
5.39.   As for importing animal products mentioned by some Members, a decision of lifting an 
import ban in the case of an animal disease outbreak and a decision of regional application of an 
import ban are determined by the Government of Japan based on a risk assessment which is 
conducted on a scientific basis. All the relevant procedures are in line with the OIE code and are 
fully consistent with the WTO SPS Agreement.  
5.40.   Such a risk assessment can only be conducted with necessary information, which is 
provided by the countries requesting to lift the ban. Risk assessment and the following decisions, 
including the application of regionalization, are proceeded smoothly when sufficient information is 
provided.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  TBT 
5.41.   Comments were also made regarding the TBT meas ures and their compliance with 
international standards. The measures of Japan are, in general, based on relevant international 
standards, to the maximum extent possible, in accordance with the TBT Agreement. Those 
measures are under constant review with a view to harmonizing them with relevant international 
standards. The Government of Japan will continue its endeavour.  
Services  
Exemption of the Anti -Monopoly Law  
5.42.   Some Members made comments regarding insurance, maritime and air transport services, 
which are currently exempted from the application of Japan's Anti -Monopoly Law, in particular on 
the possibility of reviewing these exemptions. Through a series of Cabinet Decisions since 1994, 
the Government of Japan confirmed its position that, in principle, exemp tions from the 
Anti-Monopoly Law should be abolished. In fact, Anti -Monopoly Law was amended three times (in 
1997, 1999 and 2000) to disestablish exemptions and streamline procedures. As for the insurance 
and maritime service industries, the Government of Japan has no concrete plan for the next review 
at present. As for the air transport services, the Government of Japan considers to review the 
exemption continuously with monitoring relevant factors such as other countries' policy positions 
on the exemption s and the effects on the marketplace.  
Transparency of regulations  
5.43.   Comments were made on transparency of regulations in services, such as air and maritime 
transport services. The regulatory measures in those fields, as in other service sectors, are 
operated  and/or implemented in a transparent manner. All the laws and regulations are, and will 
continue to be, published in the Official Gazette and are also made available on the internet.  
Broadcasting service  
5.44.   Some Members made comments on the treatment of broad casting service in Japan's 
services schedule. This service engages in conveying information to many and unspecified users 
via limited scarce spectrum, which has a considerable social impact and thus has a significant 
influence on culture and the society of  Japan. Therefore, the regulation policy on this service 
should be decided with flexibility in response to changing environment surrounding broadcasting 
industry, such as social situations, technical development and cultural and social aspect of Japan. 
As such, the broadcasting sector is out of our commitment since changes in the future 
circumstances would create the necessity to introduce additional measures.  
Government procurement  
5.45.   Many Members touched upon Japan's Government procurement. Japan is a Party to the 
plurilateral Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). Japan's government procurement, 
including procedures of tenders, is conducted in a transparent and competitive manner in 
accordance with the GPA. This is the case for procurement of both central a nd sub -central 
governments. The fact that foreign participation in Japan's government procurement remained 
around 3% in value in 2014 merely reflected the results of the tenders which had been conducted 
in a transparent and impartial manner.  
5.46.   Japan is maki ng improvement in its government procurement procedures, and some 
Members referred to the introduction of "multiple -award tendering" as a positive step forward. In 
May 2016, "multiple -award tendering" became applicable to procurement by the local 
governmen ts listed in Annex 2 of the GPA. Such local governments may apply "multiple -award 
tendering" in cases where it procures a large quantity of goods or services. Since the 
"multiple -award tendering" had already been introduced by the central government, both central 
and sub -central governments are able to apply "multiple -award tendering" to procurement 
implemented under the GPA. Conditions for participating in each procurement project are defined 
under the GPA and the relevant laws and regulations of Japan.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  Development  
LDC-DFQF  
5.47.   Comments were made concerning the duty free quota free (DFQF) for LDCs. Japan has 
granted enhanced market access of DFQF for 98% of products originating from all LDCs, which is 
higher than the level agreed by the WTO Hong Kong Ministeri al Declaration in 2005. There are only 
some exempted items, taking into account sensitivities for domestic industries, and the 
sustainability of exhaustible natural resources. Therefore, Japan will need careful examination on 
the possibility of further exp anding the product coverage of DFQF on LDCs.  
LDC services waiver  
5.48.   Some Members made comments regarding the LDC services waiver. As for the LDC services 
waiver, Japan shares a basic philosophy of the WTO Agreement which acknowledges the need for 
"positive ef forts designed to ensure that developing countries, especially the least developed 
among them, secure a share in the growth in international trade commensurable with the needs of 
their economic development."  
5.49.   On the basis of that, Japan submitted in 2015 it s preferential services treatments for LDCs 
which include GATS plus commitments on the movement of natural persons.  
5.50.   For the measures concerning visas, residence permits and licensing applications which were 
mentioned in the meeting, careful management with  appropriate frameworks is required from 
diverse viewpoints, including border protection, sound development of labour market and 
appropriate quality of services to be supplied. Regarding "work permits", there is no legal 
framework of "work permits" in Japa n. Certain working activities of foreigners can be admitted, 
however, in the existing framework of "residence permits".  
Inefficient fossil fuel subsidies  
5.51.   Comments were made regarding the reform of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies (IFFS) and the 
G20 peer r eview process. The Government of Japan supports the G20 peer review process from 
the perspective of promoting reforms on inefficient fossil fuel subsidies (IFFS), Japan welcomes the 
outcome and the lessons learned from the past reviews. As the Government o f Japan has no 
inefficient fossil fuel subsidies (IFFS) that encourages wasteful consumption, our understanding is 
that Japan is not among the priority countries for the review, Japan would consider participating in 
the peer review team to review a third c ountry as far as necessary resources are available.  
5.2  Conclusion  
5.52.   I would like to conclude my remarks by thanking you, Mme Chair, Ambassador Braithwaite, 
the Secretariat and all the Members for their contributions to making this 13th review of Japan a 
product ive one. We hope that Japan also was able to contribute to this important exercise in the 
WTO. Thank you.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.53.   I would like to begin by thanking Mr. Tomochika Uyama, Deputy Director General of the 
Economic Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Af fairs, and Ambassador Junichi Ihara, and the 
entire Japanese delegation, for the important work they have carried out on the occasion of the 
13th Trade Policy Review of Japan.  
5.54.   In the course of this review, Members recognized Japan's leading role in the gl obal economy 
and the multilateral trading system. Japan's commitment to moving forward multilateral 
negotiations and to engaging in plurilateral negotiations was commended by all.  
5.55.   This was reinforced by the large number of statements (I counted 56 on beha lf of individual 
WTO Members and groups – covering a significant portion of the total Membership) as well as 
questions addressed to the Japanese delegation in the course of this Trade Policy Review.   WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  5.56.   There is no doubt as to Japan's respect for its commitm ents, and several Members praised 
the country for the stability and predictability of its trade policy despite a challenging 
macroeconomic environment and its ongoing recovery efforts from the natural disasters which 
have occurred in recent years. Japan wa s also commended for its continued vocal efforts to fight 
protectionism in APEC, the G7 and G20 among others.  
5.57.   Members, both developing and developed, spoke of the importance of their bilateral 
relations, whether based on preferential regional agreements, b ilateral cooperation agreements or 
technical assistance and financial support programmes. Several Members noted a reduction in 
bilateral trade volumes in recent years and expressed their desire for continued dialogue with 
Japan to examine ways of revitaliz ing their bilateral trading links.  
5.58.   Many congratulated Japan on their commitment to development assistance and the Aid -for-
Trade initiative. A number of Members raised last year's TICAD VI Conference, which took place in 
Nairobi, Kenya. This was the first t ime a TICAD conference had taken place on African soil and 
brought together 32 African Heads of State and Government together with Prime Minister Abe. 
Japan's commitment to investing in the future of Africa is encouraging.  
5.59.   A full examination of the econom ic reforms that Japan is undertaking as part of 
"Abenomics", goes beyond the trade policy framework that the WTO is mandated to consider, 
nevertheless importance of the "three arrows" was emphasized by many Members.  
5.60.   The scale of the task Japan has set its elf to restore economic growth and address an aging 
population should not be underestimated. Promoting the role of women and the elderly in the 
workforce is an important part of these plans and will have long -term benefits including enhancing 
social cohesi on and boosting Japan's economy through increased consumption. Although this is 
being done in the context of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution", how Japan adapts to the further 
automation of manufacturing processes and services will be crucial to the succe ss of these 
reforms.  
5.61.   Having examined Members' advance questions and the statements made during the review 
on Wednesday, my conclusion is that the concerns raised show behind the border measures and 
agriculture to be of great interest to Members:  
 I noted th at standards and conformity procedures were frequently presented as a barrier to 
the entry and establishment of FDI, an objective which is being pursued by the Japanese 
Government within the framework of the "Growth Strategy 2016". This is also true of 
government procurement in respect of which certain Members noted the low level of 
participation of foreign firms and the importance of a transparent bidding and tendering 
process.  
 Regarding agriculture, Members noted that despite the ongoing reforms in the s ector, 
Japan's high tariffs on agriculture and domestic support measures were described by some 
Members as distortive. This is coupled with a regime of sanitary and phytosanitary standards 
that certain Members consider an additional restriction on market a ccess. In particular, there 
were calls for alignment with international standards and improved transparency.  
 Turning to the WTO, Members also encouraged Japan to implement the Expansion of the 
Information Technology Agreement and to continue to play a pro active role in negotiations 
ahead of the 11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, particularly with regards to 
e-commerce and fisheries subsidies.  
5.62.   I welcome the remarks made by Mr. Uyama earlier today in response to these concerns.  
5.63.   I would like to take  this opportunity to thank the Japanese delegation for having replied to 
so many Members' questions in advance and encourage Japan to continue this dialogue with the 
Members concerned.  
5.64.   The Japanese authorities have a great task ahead of them with the need to implement the 
"Growth Strategy 2016" and achieving the targets set out in their "Plan for Dynamic Engagement WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  of All Citizens". I am sure that Members are looking forward to the next Trade Policy Review of 
Japan in order to examine the progress made.  
5.65.   I would like to thank once again the Japanese delegation for the opportunity to act as 
discussant for their review this week. It has been an honour. Thank you.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
1.1.  The period of review has been marked by significant adversities. Japan has had to address 
the consequences of natural disasters, aging population, large public debt and low inflation. The 
country's main bet is to focus on ending the prolonged period of deflation and revitalizing the 
Japanese economy through comprehensive economic  policy programmes with a view to boosting 
business and consumer confidence and consolidating public finances.  
5.66.   On the macroeconomic front: Japan's highly industrialized market economy is the third -
largest in the world. Despite the slow economic performance  during the review period, Japan's 
economy remains resilient, open and transparent. According to OECD's 2016 economic forecast; 
the country's GDP growth is expected to increase to above 1.2% in 2017 and 1.9% in 2018 due to 
the rebound in international trad e which will help drive Japan's export growth higher over the next 
two years.  
5.67.   Japan is to be recognized for its ambitious overall economic and financial reforms, 
particularly under the three -pillar strategy of monetary easing, fiscal stimulus, and structur al 
reforms in areas such as agriculture, energy, and healthcare. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
commends Japan for these reforms especially in the field of the financial services and 
telecommunication and trusts that these reforms will contribute to sustainab le economic 
development for the direct benefit of its population. We have sent a question to Japan regarding 
some telecommunication's measures. We will be happy to receive Japan's reply to this question.  
5.68.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan are prominent trading partners. Both countries 
have significantly expanded their cooperation in investment, small and medium -sized enterprises, 
general industry, security, and education. Trade exchange between the two countries surpassed 
US$32 billion in 2015.  
5.69.   The visi t of the Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Tokyo in September 2016 
underscored the strong bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries. From the Saudi 
Government's perspective, 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.  
5.70.   The two countries' relationship has deepened also in the financial sector. The Japan Bank for 
International Cooperation, Japan Exter nal Trade Organization, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and 
Industry all play an active role to assist the kingdom in a mutually beneficial relationship.  
5.71.   Over the period of review, Japan has continued to play a central role in the reinforcement of 
the mult ilateral trading system and has been active in bilateral and plurilateral trade negotiations.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.72.   Let me first thank Mr. Uyama and the Japanese delegation for the comprehensive overview 
of the recent economic developments in Japan presented on W ednesday and the detailed, 
comprehensive and very interesting statement. It provided an excellent opportunity to gain a 
better understanding of the economic context in Japan, to assess the trade and investment climate 
and provide the Membership with the po ssibility to give input on how it could be improved.  
5.73.   The EU also appreciates the timely replies provided to our written questions. In this regard, 
I would like to particularly thank Japan for having opted for the alternative timeframe, which gives 
more ti me for Members to study the replies in advance of the meeting. In this context, the EU 
shares Japan's view expressed on Wednesday that – despite of excellent Chairmanship - the 
results of the 6th appraisal of the TPRM could have been more ambitious.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  5.74.   Based  on the comments of a large number of Japanese trading partners, the EU notes that 
all Members valued Japan as a bilateral trading partner, they acknowledged its strong support for 
the multilateral trading system and for the fight against rising protection ism. The EU also counts 
on the usually constructive attitude of Japan in working towards a successful outcome at the 11th 
Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires. We took good note of the comments of Japan expressed 
today, notably regarding fishery subsidie s and agriculture.  
5.75.   The EU recognizes and values the support of Japan for the WTO peer review system of 
Trade Policy Reviews and Trade Monitoring. This TPR demonstrates clearly how seriously Japan 
takes these obligations.  
5.76.   Furthermore, the EU also shares J apan's view on the importance of Trade and Development 
and of the role of the Economic Partnership Agreements ("EPAs"). We welcome the statement by 
the Head of delegation on Japan's intention to conclude the bilateral FTA negotiations with us as 
soon as po ssible.  
5.77.   Finally, the EU shares Members' view that while the Abenomics strategy has led to 
important improvements, the macroeconomic situation remains challenging and it encourages 
Japan to show more ambition on the structural reforms in order to facilitate  foreign investment 
and to open markets, especially as regards agriculture and government procurement.  
5.78.   The EU has submitted a few follow -up questions on certification for imported products, the 
new labelling standard on wine, geographical indications in re lation to "made in Japan" and 
transparency in government procurement. We thank Japan in advance for the replies.  
UNITED  STATES   
5.79.   We would again like to thank Deputy Director General Uyama, Ambassador Ihara and the 
entire Japanese delegation for their constr uctive and diligent efforts in Japan's Trade Policy 
Review. It has been good to see familiar faces back in Geneva.  
5.80.   We appreciate the thought that, in preparing the statement that we just heard this morning 
from Mr. Uyama, the Japanese delegation has clearl y listened carefully during this review and we 
appreciate the reflections offered in the response' statement.  
5.81.   Again, we also thank Japan for providing written answers to our questions. We did submit 
one follow -up question regarding how Japan classifies the  country of origin of a locally established 
subsidiary of a foreign company for the purposes of government procurement contracts. We look 
forward to receiving a reply.  
5.82.   It has been particularly interesting for us to observe some common themes both from 
Memb ers' statements and the views of our discussant. We have taken particular note of calls for 
Japan to implement its ITA expansion commitments without further delay, concerns about the 
level of market protection in Japan's agricultural sector, the proliferat ion of non -tariff barriers, 
including in the automotive sector, among other broad themes.  
5.83.   Washington follows these and other issues with great interest and we appreciate the 
Government of Japan's attention to these and other issues raised this week. We loo k forward to 
remaining engaged bilaterally on these issues.  
5.84.   We have also taken note in particular this morning of Japan's assurances that it views its 
approach on trade remedy measures as being consistent with WTO rules. This is a useful response 
this morn ing to assertions on this topic made during the first day of the TPR.  
5.85.   In closing, let me congratulate the team from Japan on this successful TPR and perhaps 
special congratulations that you now have three rather than two years to prepare for your next 
TPR subject to confirmation by the General Council. In any case, we look forward to our continued 
cooperation both bilaterally and here at the WTO with this very valuable partner. Best wishes to 
those returning to Tokyo.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIW AN, PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
5.86.   Tout d'abord, le Territoire douanier distinct de Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen et Matsu souhaite 
remercier l'équipe du Japon sous la direction du Directeur général adjoint Tomochika Uyama, pour 
les réponses fournies à nos questions éc rites, ainsi que sa contribution à la séance de ce matin et 
l'exercice qui se déroule cette semaine et qui a été préparé depuis plusieurs mois. C'était un 
excellent Examen des politiques commerciales. Nous espérons que les vues et les opinions 
exprimées pa r les Membres au cours du présent Examen aideront le Gouvernement japonais à 
poursuivre ses réformes économiques.  
5.87.   Enfin, pour terminer, nous saluons les efforts de la Mission permanente du Japon sous la 
direction de S.E. Monsieur l'Ambassadeur Ihara. Nous remercions également le présentateur, 
S.E. Monsieur l'Ambassadeur Julian Braithwaite pour ses commentaires très pertinents.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA   
5.88.   Hong Kong, China would like to join others in thanking Mr. Uyama for his remarks this 
morning, many of which touch ed on issues of interest to us. We would also like to extend our 
thanks to the entire Japanese delegation for the very hard work. We had the chance to review the 
responses to our questions and we are impressed with their completeness.  
5.89.   We can confirm that w e have no follow -up questions to raise at this stage so congratulations 
again to all for a job well done.  
CHINA  
5.90.   Our delegation would like to briefly make some follow -up comments. First of all, we take 
note of Japan's response regarding its practice on futu re remedy cases and I think it would be 
necessary to reiterate China's position. China will protect its legitimate rights and interests firmly 
through all means available in this Organization to any violations of WTO rules by Members.  
5.91.   China thanks the Japa nese delegation for the written replies to China's advance written 
questions. China submitted an additional list of 86 questions during the meeting of Japan's TPR 
which include many of China's key concerns regarding Japan's trade -related policies and pract ices. 
China was not able to submit them four weeks before Japan's TPR due to the Spring Festival 
holiday which is regarded by the Chinese as the most important festival of the year. China looks 
forward to receiving the replies from Japan to these questions . 
5.92.   Finally, I wish the Japanese delegation a safe and a pleasant journey home.  
KAZAKHSTAN  
5.93.   We would like to note the achievements in the economic and fiscal policies undertaken by 
the Government of Japan which promoted notable GDP growth and growth in variou s sectors of 
the economy of Japan during recent years.  
5.94.   Japan's valuable assistance in capacity building efforts in developing countries has been also 
most notable through net participation in the aid for trade initiative.  
5.95.   Regarding the bilateral trade and economic relations between our countries, I would like to 
note that the Joint Commission between the Governments and private sectors of Kazakhstan and 
Japan has been established and functioning as of December 1993. Currently, there are around 
25 joint inve stment projects, worth more than US$4 billion, which are being implemented between 
our countries in such strategic sectors of the economy as energy, transportation, logistics, 
engineering and information communication technologies.  
5.96.   In 2016, the trade turno ver between our countries has reached US$1.1 billion. I believe 
there is still major underutilized potential to strengthen trade and investment relations between 
our countries. Japan is an important strategic partner for Kazakhstan and there is a bright fu ture 
for further enhancing trade and economic cooperation.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  5.97.   I also would like to use this opportunity to thank the Government of Japan and personally 
Mr. Uyama for the continuous support which has been provided to the Government of Kazakhstan 
in its accessi on to the World Trade Organization. I would like to congratulate the delegation of 
Japan on a successful Trade Policy Review.  
CANADA  
5.98.   We would also like to thank Japan for the all work that has evidently gone into participating 
in this review. We also thank  you, Madam Chair, and Ambassador Braithwaitefor you able 
stewardship of the review and insightful commentary that has been provided.  
5.99.   We appreciate Japan's decision to adopt the alternative TPR timeline which improves the 
quality of the dialogue between th e Member being reviewed and the membership. We look forward 
to continuing to strengthen our economic relationship with Japan in this and in other fora.  
5.100.   Finally, we look forward to receiving responses from Japan to the two follow -up questions 
that we have p osed regarding TRQ administration and government procurement.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The thirteenth Trade Policy Review of Japan has been a good opportunity for Members to 
discuss recent developments in the country's economic, trade and in vestment policies and their 
implications for international trade. Such a fruitful dialogue would not have been possible without 
the constructive engagement of the Japanese delegation led by Mr. Tomochika Uyaman; their 
team in Geneva headed by Ambassador Ju nichi Ihara; our discussant, H.E. Ambassador Julian 
Braithwaite from the United Kingdom; and all those Members who had participated in this 
exercise.  
6.2.  Japan is the world's 4th largest importer and exporter of goods and services, and a highly 
valued trading partner for many WTO Members. Several delegations also pointed out that Japan 
played a leading role in manufacturing and innovation, and in many global value chains. It is 
therefore important that Japan has an economic environment that is conducive to trad e. 
6.3.  During the period under review, Japan continued to face serious economic and demographic 
challenges: slow GDP growth, low inflation and budget deficits persisted, while imports and 
exports declined, against a backdrop of an aging and shrinking populatio n. To address these 
challenges, Members encouraged Japan to continue pursuing the "three arrows" of Abenomics, in 
particular the structural reforms that would allow Japan to further liberalize trade and remove 
non-tariff barriers. In response, the Japanese  delegation assured Members of its Government's 
determination to revitalize its economy and generate a new momentum of growth. Members were 
pleased to note that reforms were under way in various sectors, including agriculture, and they 
commended Japan's ef forts to increase women's participation in the workforce.  
6.4.  In his opening remarks, Ambassador Ihara pointed out that there was wide -spread 
uncertainty and growing mistrust in trade. In such difficult times, Members appreciated Japan's 
firm commitment to the  multilateral trading system and to trade liberalization. Many Members 
commended the prominent and constructive role that Japan had played in the multilateral and 
plurilateral negotiations within the WTO, notably as the chair that concluded the expanded 
Information Technology Agreement. Now that the Agreement has been submitted to the Diet in 
Japan, Members look forward to its early implementation. Many developing countries, including 
LDCs, appreciated Japan's development assistance and preferential schemes  including its 
duty-free, quota -free scheme, and support for aid for trade.  
6.5.  Beyond the WTO, Members noted Japan's intention to actively pursue economic partnership 
and investment agreements which could complement the multilateral trading system in promotin g 
free trade. Clarifications were sought on the way forward for preferential agreements including the 
Trans -Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.  
6.6.  Meanwhile, the inflow of foreign direct investment into Japan rem ained modest. While 
Members noted Japan's recent initiatives to attract FDI, concerns had been expressed about 
certain market access issues, for example, the stringent regulatory framework which made it 
difficult for foreign and local pharmaceutic companie s to form joint ventures. Similarly, while 
Members congratulated Japan on recent reforms to facilitate the participation of small and medium 
enterprises in government procurement, they also saw room for improvement in the bidding 
process, as well as the ad ministrative procedures and practices, to allow for more transparency 
and foreign competition. In general, Members would like to see a more predictable investment 
regime, better corporate governance, and business -friendly regulations. In that connection, i t is 
encouraging to hear from Mr. Uyama that his Government aims at making Japan "the most 
business -friendly country in the world".  
6.7.  Regarding specific trade policy measures, many Members acknowledged Japan's efforts to 
streamline customs procedures, such a s the Authorized Economic Operators programme. Members 
also commended Japan for its predictable tariff regime, which had a binding coverage of more than 
98% and a negligible difference between the average bound and applied rates. Nonetheless, 
concerns were  raised regarding the relatively high tariffs for agriculture products and some 
industrial goods. Members encouraged Japan to reduce tariff peaks, bind all its tariff lines, and 
further simplify its tariff structure. Commenting on SPS and TBT measures, som e Members said 
their exporters were subject to high compliance costs, mainly because some of the Japanese 
requirements were more rigorous than international standards.  WT/TPR/W/126  • Japan  
 
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  6.8.  In the area of intellectual property, Members noted that companies had suffered signifi cant 
economic loss due to infringement of their IP rights. They encouraged Japan to step up 
enforcement efforts to combat counterfeiting. Members also showed interest in Japan's recent 
patent reform, the new trade secrets law, and the level of protection f or geographical indications.  
6.9.  In terms of sectoral trade policies, agriculture was still the sector attracting the most 
attention. While some Members appreciated Japan's recent initiatives to reform the cooperatives 
system and land tenure, Members also expr essed concern about the many protective measures 
still in place, such as high tariffs, price and import controls, and high levels of domestic support, 
which could be trade -distorting and creating significant market access barriers. Members urged 
Japan to e nhance the transparency of its agricultural policies by, inter alia , submitting timely 
notifications; and to press ahead with reforms which would liberalize trade in this sector.  
6.10.   Another sector highlighted in this review was the energy sector, where some Members 
commended Japan for promoting renewable energies in lieu of fossil fuels, and for deregulating its 
electricity and gas markets. As regards services, Members noted that the market was largely open, 
and were interested in the recent reforms in bankin g and telecommunications. Individual Members 
had expressed concerns about protective measures in specific sectors such as automotive, aircraft 
manufacturing, insurance, air and maritime transport, broadcasting, accounting and visa -related 
issues concerning  professionals.  
6.11.   In his statement just now, Mr. Uyama has responded comprehensively to key issues raised 
by Members. Japan has also provided answers to almost all advance written questions raised by 
Members. We look forward to Japan's replies to all outsta nding questions in a month's time, which 
will then mark the successful conclusion of this TPR.  
6.12.   Finally, I wish to close this meeting by referring to what Ambassador Ihara had said at the 
beginning of the meeting, that the TPRM  has its very effective soft power, which is the power to 
help Members evaluate and improve their own trade policies, and thereby strengthen the 
multilateral trading system. I hope Japan also finds its 13th TPR useful in this sense, and I look to 
Japan's c ontinuous support to the TPRM in the future.  
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