Joint Press Statement
The first meeting of the Joint Committee established under
the Agreement between Japan and the United Mexican States for
the Strengthening of the Economic Partnership

April 1st, 2005

1. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, for the Japanese side, and the Secretary of Economy, for the Mexican side, met on 1st April 2005 in Tokyo, to celebrate the entry into force of the Agreement between Japan and the United Mexican States for the Strengthening of the Economic Partnership (Japan-Mexico EPA) [PDF], and to hold the first meeting of the Joint Committee established under the Agreement. The Japan-Mexico EPA was signed on 17th September 2004 in Mexico City by the leaders of both countries and, after the completion of the respective necessary legal procedures, has entered into force as of today (1st April 2005).
2. The Ministers and the Secretary reaffirmed the importance of the effective implementation of the Japan-Mexico EPA. They shared the view that the Japan-Mexico EPA will contribute to enhancing the free cross-border flow of goods, persons, services and capital between Japan and Mexico, as well as bilateral cooperation in fields of mutual interest. They underscored that the Japan-Mexico EPA will enable both countries to make the most of their economic complementarity and further promote the development of their respective economies. The Ministers and the Secretary also stressed that this Agreement constitutes a solid basis for the strategic partnership between Japan and Mexico.
3. The Ministers and the Secretary are pleased to note that, even before the entry into force of the Japan-Mexico EPA, the private sectors of both countries have been exploring new trade and investment opportunities in different fields. The Ministers and the Secretary expect that these activities of the private sectors will bear fruit and contribute to enhancing the economic ties of both countries.
4. The Joint Committee today made decisions necessary for the implementation of the Japan-Mexico EPA, including the establishment of the rules and procedures of the Joint Committee, the adoption of the Uniform Regulations and the establishment of the Sub-Committees.