FY2006 Japan-EU Regulatory Reform Dialogue Brussels Meeting

March 16, 2007

1. FY2006 Japan-EU (European Union) Regulatory Reform Dialogue Brussels Meeting will be held on March 19 and 20 in Brussels (at the European Commission Headquarters, Charlemagne Building).

2. The Meeting will be co-chaired by Mr. Yoichi Otabe, Director General, Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who leads the Japanese delegation consisting of officials from the ministries and agencies concerned, and by Mr. Karel Kovanda, Deputy Director General, External Relations Directorate General, European Commission, who leads the EU delegation consisting of representatives of the related departments of the Commission and the related EU Member States.

3. The meeting will discuss regulations in the EU and Japan, with a view to improving the business environment including investment promotion, so that Japan and the EU will enjoy strengthened economic ties.

4. The Meeting will be the 13th dialogue meeting since it started in 1994. At the Brussels Meeting in FY2006, there will be discussion mainly on Japan’s Proposals for Regulatory Reform in EU in such fields as commercial laws and business practices, trade and customs, information and intellectual property, employment, government procurement, maritime policy, telecommunications, financial services (including the International Financial Reporting Standards), broadcasting services, construction, health care and pharmaceuticals, food safety, tourism, environment, and work and residence permits. The meeting will also touch upon some of EU’s proposals to Japan.

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