Economic Diplomacy

On May 27 and 29, Trade Policy Review (TPR) meeting was held in Geneva to examine Japan's trade policies. The summary is as follows. From Japan, Mr. TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko, Ambassador for International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Head of the Japanese Delegation), and Mr. NAGAI Katsuro, Ambassador of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva (Permanent Representative to the WTO) and others attended.

(Reference) Trade Policy Review (TPR)

To ensure transparency and deepen understanding of the trade policies and practices among Members, the WTO regularly holds trade policy reviews based on the WTO Agreement. These reviews include written question-and-answers on the trade policies of Member under review. This is Japan’s 16th review. (The previous review was in March 2023.)

1. Written questions
   Approximately 900 written questions were submitted to the Government of Japan by Members prior to the TPR meeting.
2. Day 1 of the meeting (May 27)
   Following the opening remarks of H.E. Mrs. Nella Pepe TAVITA-LEVY (Chairperson), Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Samoa to the International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador TAKAHASHI explained the trends in Japan's trade and economic policies. After the statement on Japan's trade policies and practices by H.E. Mr. MAI Phan Dung, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the International Organizations in Geneva as the Discussant, the 64 Members provided their comments including questions in their statements.
3. Day 2 of the meeting (May 29)
   Ambassador TAKAHASHI explained Japan's position on the issues raised on the first day. The Discussant presented points of discussion based on the statements by other Members, and the Chairperson summarized the discussion.

1. Since the last review, the Japanese economy has recovered from the impact of COVID-19.
2. The Takaichi administration was inaugurated in October 2025 and aims to build a new growth-oriented economy under its "responsible and proactive public finances," with investments that enhance resilience against potential crises and growth investments serving as the two pillars.
3. Japan has actively engaged in discussions on WTO reform, served as a co-Convenor of the Joint Statement Initiative on E-commerce, and made specific proposals on trade and the environment as well as trade and development, and has contributed to discussions in the agricultural field.
4. In support of developing countries, Japan has focused on Aid for Trade initiatives and has conducted a review and amended the Generalized System of Preferences to allow special preferential treatment for Least Developed Countries to be extended for up to three years following their graduation.
5. Japan has promoted economic partnership agreements (EPAs). With the signing and entry into force of the Protocol amending the Japan-EU EPA, the signing of the Protocol amending the Japan-Indonesia EPA and the Japan-Bangladesh EPA, the EPA coverage of Japan’s trade has expanded to approximately 80%.
6. Japan is promoting measures such as ensuring stable supply of critical products and stable provision of essential infrastructure services, based on the Economic Security Promotion Act, while ensuring consistency with international law including WTO rules.
7. Japan remains committed to the multilateral trading system. 30 years after the establishment of the WTO, it will work towards maintaining the WTO’s importance and rebuilding a multilateral trading system appropriate for the next 30 years.

1. Many Members commended Japan as a flag bearer for free trade, contributing to the stability and predictability of the global economy. They noted that Japan's trade policies are balanced and consistent with international trade rules, and that it is actively involved in WTO reform and negotiations.
2. Many Members also expressed appreciation for the close bilateral economic ties with Japan, including exchanges at the head of state and ministerial levels, and FTAs and EPAs, as well as expressed expectations for continued Japanese leadership.
3. There was growing interest in the Takaichi administration's growth strategy and economic security policies, along with requests for detailed information on these policies.
4. They were also interested in areas such as access to agricultural markets, customs procedures, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), addressing women's participation in the workforce and labor shortages, promoting Green Transformation and Digital Transformation, and support for developing countries.

1. The policies under the growth strategy and the Economic Security Promotion Act were implemented in line with WTO rules, ensuring a fair and equitable business environment for foreign companies.
2. The explanation included points such as: tariff levels on agricultural products as a result of appropriate implementation of the modalities agreed upon in the GATT Uruguay Round; customs procedural amendments to maintain smooth import clearance in line with the expansion of cross-border e-commerce; support measures for SMEs to participate in international trade; positive trends in narrowing the gender wage disparity and the promotion of women; and efforts to create an environment where older workers can be active based on their own wishes and regardless of age.
3. As a WTO Member Japan will continue to have an unwavering commitment to rule-making and WTO reform.