Exchange of Diplomatic Notes concerning the Entry into Force of the Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the Philippines

November 11, 2008

Following the cabinet decision made on November 11 (Tue), the Exchange of Diplomatic Notes concerning the Entry into Force of the Agreement between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines for Economic Partnership (Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement) took place in Manila on November 11 between H.E. Mr. Makoto Katsura, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, and H.E. Dr. Alberto Romulo, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. With this Exchange of Diplomatic Notes, the EPA will enter into force on December 11 (Thu).
This EPA is aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries in wide-ranging areas by promoting liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment and advancing cooperation in such areas as movement of natural persons and improvement of the business environment and the cultivation of human resources. It is expected that the entry into force of this EPA will further vitalize the economies of Japan and the Philippines and tighten bilateral relations through strengthened economic partnership.

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