TOKYO, July 12 — Following a broad trade accord between Japan and EU, the Japanese government has launched a new consolidated headquarters that presides trade policymaking in a horizontal approach across government agencies.
The aim is to facilitate Japan’s early entry into trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
The first meeting at the new government headquarters was to take place on July 14 to outline countermeasure programs that help farm producers adjust to increased EU agricultural food products entering Japan.
Economic Revitalization Minister Nobuteru Ishihara, who is also the minister in charge of the TPP, said at a press conference on July 11, “Farmers have to get over the threats of imports. They need to take a bold approach to climb up to the next level.
“At the same time, we also need to take special care of small-size and family farms,” said Ishihara, suggesting countermeasure programs would comprise offensive as well as defensive interests.