Statement by Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Completion of the Signing of the Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Partnership among Japan and Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (AJCEP Agreement)

April 14, 2008

Japan welcomes that Japan and Member States of the Association of Asian Nations (ASEAN) have completed the process of signing the AJCEP Agreement by the 14th. For Japan, I signed this Agreement on the 28th of March.
The AJCEP Agreement will provide a legal framework to support further development of integrated production networks among Japan and ASEAN Members. Japan hopes that the early entry into force of this Agreement will further invigorate the trade and investment relations between Japan and ASEAN and enhance economic attractiveness of the Japan-ASEAN region.
Japan hopes that this Agreement will strengthen ties between Japan and ASEAN in not only economic areas but also various areas, thereby contributing to expansion of the depth and width of the strategic partnership between Japan and ASEAN.

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