Statement by Mr. Seiji Maehara, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on Substantive Agreement of Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA)

October 2, 2010
Japanese

The 11th round of negotiations on the proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) was held in Tokyo. After a great progress in discussion, participants confirmed that they reached an Agreement on outstanding substantive issues. I heartily congratulate this Agreement, as Japan raised the necessity of the ACTA and the concerned government ministries have promoted its negotiations in unison.
The ACTA is an agreement that will establish an international framework to more effectively combat the proliferation of counterfeiting and piracy, which undermines legitimate trade and the sustainable development of the world economy. It is also expected to contribute to vitalizing Japan’s industry and economy.
Japan will actively engage in realizing early taking-into-effect of the ACTA. The government of Japan will endeavor to spread a global chain of protection of intellectual property rights through actively calling on major countries and regions toward acceding in the ACTA.

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