JAPANESE-FRENCH JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ ON RECIPROCAL INVESTMENTS

　The Prime Ministers welcome the development of reciprocal investments between Japan and France, particularly in the automobile industry and in the service sector. This development is the reflection of the dynamism of the business sector in each country and of their confidence in the competitiveness of both economies. Reciprocated investments are the prerequisite for sustainable progress in bilateral economic relations.

　The Prime Ministers also point out the importance of industrial co-operation between Japan and France and the commitment of both governments to intensify such co-operation in order to support and strengthen the development of their bilateral relations. Such industrial co-operation has proceeded in sectors including new information and communication technologies, environment, biotechnology, space and automobile parts.

　In this spirit, the Prime Ministers emphasise the importance to facilitate alliances among Japanese and French small and medium-sized enterprises, in the form of joint companies or technological co-operation, by promoting joint research programs and by organising meetings in various industrial sectors.

　In addition, the Prime Ministers express their wish to see a comprehensive work plan, including public support schemes, to be coordinated for the promotion of the establishment of small and medium-sized French firms in Japan and vice versa.

　Finally, to further promote reciprocal investment as well as exchanges of people, which are the factors for bringing business cultures closer together, the Prime Ministers welcome the decision to start preliminary talks between Japan and France on the possibility of signing a social security agreement.