Launching of the Headquarters for the Promotion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Establishment of the Division for FTAs and EPAs

1. In order to strengthen its setup relating to free trade agreements and economic partnership agreements, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 12 (Tuesday) launched the FTA/EPA Headquarters and established the FTA/EPA Division in the Economic Affairs Bureau.

2. The FTA/EPA Headquarters is comprised of a Chairman (Vice-Minister Yukio Takeuchi), Secretary-General (Economic Affairs Bureau Director-General Kenichiro Sasae), and members (Directors-General of the Bureaus concerned). The Headquarters will conduct consultations concerning the formulation of Japan's comprehensive strategy for FTAs and EPAs, ways of ensuring a unified and coordinated response, and of supporting negotiations with specific countries on a ministry-wide basis.

3. Under the FTA/EPA Headquarters, the FTA/EPA Division will plan and draft a comprehensive strategy for FTAs and EPAs, ensure a unified and coordinated response, and participate in FTA/EPA negotiations with specific countries.