Summary of the 8th Round of Negotiations on the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement

March 13, 2009
Japanese

1. The 8th round of negotiations on the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was held from March 9 (Mon) to 13 (Fri) in Tokyo.
2. In this round, Mr. Yoichi Otabe, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, as chief negotiator, and other officials from relevant ministries of Japan, and Mr. David Spencer, Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as chief negotiator, 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, discussions on rice, barley, wheat, sugar and starch were held. The Japanese side explained sensitivity regarding these problems 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 on their respective requests and the draft texts.
   • (3) In respect of energy and mineral resources, both sides discussed on specific products concerned.
   • (4) In respect of food supply, both sides continued discussions on what sort of measures could be examined to ensure a stable supply of food.
4. The 9th round of negotiations will be held in Canberra in late July, 2009. The detailed schedule will be determined through diplomatic channels.