JOINT STATEMENT ON THE OCCASION OF THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN JAPAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF CHILE FOR A STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

1. We, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Taro Aso, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile, Alejandro Foxley, recalling the longstanding friendship between our two peoples that has developed into an enduring cooperative relationship, had a candid discussion on how our two nations should work closely in order to contribute to their mutual stability, security and prosperity, and those of the international community as a whole.
2. To this end, we affirmed our determination to work together to further promote and deepen the economic and political relations between our two countries.
3. Today, welcoming the expeditious conclusion of the negotiations which was achieved under the guidance of our Leaders, we signed the Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Chile for a Strategic Economic Partnership (hereinafter referred to as "the Agreement"). By signing this Agreement, we started a new chapter of our partnership.
4. The Agreement will increase the cross-border flows of goods, persons, investment and services and strengthen the strategic economic partnership between the two countries. Furthermore, it provides for the protection of intellectual property, competition policy and the improvement of business environment. Statements on anti-dumping and technical barriers to trade (TBT) are attached to this Joint Statement.
5. We also stressed the importance of appropriately taking into account environment and labor issues in strengthening our economic relationship. Statements on these issues are also attached to this Joint Statement.
6. We hope that, by signing the Agreement, Japan and Chile will make the most of our respective competitiveness and promote the development of our economies, thereby bringing about more prosperity and stability to our peoples.
7. We share the view that enhanced economic ties between Japan and Chile will promote Japan's economic relationship with South America, and Chile's economic relationship with Asia, thereby giving a new impetus to trade and investment flows across the Pacific. We are convinced that our two nations will contribute together to the prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region by invigorating economic exchanges.
8. Recalling that this year we are welcoming the 110th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Chile, we, on behalf of the governments and peoples of both countries, celebrate the signing of the Agreement, which will elevate the bilateral economic relations to a higher plane.

Tokyo, March 27, 2007

Attachments

• Anti-dumping
• Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
• Environment
• Labor