Press Releases
Entry into force of the First Protocol to Amend the Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Partnership among Japan and Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
1. On August 1, the First Protocol to Amend the Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Partnership among Japan and Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations entered into force among Japan, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
2. The Protocol adds the provisions concerning Trade in Services, Movement of Natural Persons and Investment to the Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Partnership among Japan and Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations which entered into force in 2008. The Protocol is the first economic partnership agreement (EPA) on Trade in Services and Movement of Natural Persons in relation to the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The Protocol also includes the rules and liberalization commitments from ASEAN Member States which are not included in the bilateral EPAs and related agreements concluded between Japan and each ASEAN Member States.
3. It is expected that the Protocol will promote further trade and investment between Japan and the fast-developing ASEAN and will strengthen the Japan-ASEAN cooperative relationship.
(Reference)
In relation to an ASEAN Member State making the notification that its legal procedures necessary for entry into force of the Protocol has been completed in the coming time, the Protocol shall enter into force on the first day of the second month following the date on which the notification is made.