Press Releases
Cabinet Understanding regarding Participation in the MPIA
(Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement)
March 10, 2023
On March 10, in response to the current impasse of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement system, the cabinet adopted understanding regarding Japan’s participation in the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA). Today, Japan will notify its intention to participate in the MPIA to the WTO.
- The MPIA is launched by like-minded members as an interim mechanism to substitute the functions of the Appellate Body, which has been in impasse since 2019, with the arbitration stipulated in the WTO Agreement.
- Based on the belief that the MPIA will enhance the predictability of the WTO dispute settlement system and contribute to the maintenance and strengthening of the rules-based multilateral trading system, Japan has decided to participate in the MPIA.
- Japan has been actively participating in international discussions for WTO dispute settlement system reform. Japan will continue to lead efforts toward the reform in cooperation with other WTO members.