The 3rd Round of Negotiations for Japan-Peru Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

August 29, 2009

The 3rd Round of Negotiations for Japan-Peru Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was held from August 24 (Mon) to 29 (Sat) in Lima.

From Japan, Mr. Yasuo Tanabe, Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Bureau, attended the meeting along with representatives from other relevant ministries. From Peru, Mr. Carlos Posada, Director-General for Asia-Oceania Bilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, attended the meeting along with representatives from other relevant ministries.

In this round of the negotiations, the discussions were held as follows:

• (a) Both sides discussed a broad range of negotiating areas such as trade in goods and services, trade remedies, rules of origin, customs procedures, entry and temporary stay of nationals for business purposes, competition policy, government procurement, general and final provisions, dispute settlement and cooperation. Good progress was made in every area. Both sides also exchanged views and positions on SPS, TBT, environment, IPR and improvement of business environment.
• (b) Regarding Market Access on trade in goods, an intensive talk was held at the level of the head of delegation, based on the respective request exchanged prior to this round.

The meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere befitting the close and friendly relations that exist between the two countries.

Both sides decided to hold the 4th round of negotiations on 1-6 October, 2009, in Tokyo.

(Reference) Background

Launching of the EPA negotiation was officially decided through a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Aso and President García in April, 2009. The 1st and 2nd rounds of negotiation took place respectively in May and in July, 2009, in Lima and in Tokyo.