FY2007 Japan-EU Regulatory Reform Dialogue Brussels Meeting

March 7, 2008

1. FY2007 Japan-EU (European Union) Regulatory Reform Dialogue Brussels Meeting will be held from March 10 to 12 in Brussels (at the European Commission Headquarters, Albert Borschette Centre).

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 14th dialogue meeting since it started in 1994. At the Brussels Meeting in FY2007, there will be discussion mainly on Japan’s Proposals for Regulatory Reform in EU in such fields as investment environment within the EU (including commercial laws and business practices, work and residence permits, tourism and employment), standards and certification, trade and customs, intellectual property rights, maritime policy, environment, information and communication technologies, financial services (including the International Financial Reporting Standards), construction, health care and pharmaceuticals, food safety and taxation. The meeting will also touch upon some of EU’s proposals to Japan.

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