Summary of the 6th Round of Negotiations on the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement

August 1, 2008
Japanese

1. The 6th round of negotiations on the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was held from July 28 (Mon) to August 1 (Fri) in Tokyo.
2. In this round, Mr. Sumio Kusaka, Deputy Director General, Economic Affairs Bureau and other Deputy Director-General level co-chairs from Japan as well as other officials from relevant Japanese ministries, and Mr. Ric Wells, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Head of the FTA Task Force) and other officials from relevant departments of Australia respectively participated.
3. In this round, useful discussions were held in each area including trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property, government procurement, energy and mineral resources, and food supply. A summary of the discussion is as follows:
   • (1) In respect of market access of trade in goods, both sides had discussions on their concerns based on the content of requests and offers that had been exchanged at the 4th Round of Negotiations. Regarding primary products, both sides intensively discussed on tariffs and other various measures regarding market access of dairy products, beef, barley and wheat. The Australian side requested the Japanese side to eliminate tariffs and the abovementioned measures arguing that they impede the market access. The Japanese side explained sensitivity concerning these products and argued for the necessity of the present border measures. Regarding industrial products, the Japanese side requested the Australian side to improve its offer on items of concern for the Japanese side.
   • (2) In respect of trade in services and investment, both sides discussed in detail on their respective offers that had been exchanged at the previous (5th) Round of Negotiations and continued discussions on the draft texts.
   • (3) In respect of energy and mineral resources, the Japanese side heard the view on the draft text regarding a stable supply of these resources, which the Japanese side proposed at the previous (5th) Round of Negotiations, and both sides discussed based on the draft text.
   • (4) In respect of food supply, both sides continued discussions on what sort of measures including prohibition of export duty could be examined to ensure a stable supply of food.
4. The next 7th round of negotiations will be held in Canberra in late October, 2008. The detailed schedule will be determined through diplomatic channels.