Takeo Hiranuma, minister of economy, trade and industry, said Tuesday he plans to call for world unity to combat terrorism in a speech at the upcoming meeting of the World Trade Organization starting Friday in Qatar.
Hiranuma said in a news conference that he will also try to successfully launch new trade liberalization talks under a broad agenda during the five-day meeting in Doha.
"The establishment of a free trade regime will be very meaningful for the world economy, which had been slowing even before the terrorist attacks," Hiranuma said, referring to the suicide plane attacks of Sept. 11 in New York and Washington.
The envisaged new trade round "should be launched under a broad agenda so that every country can feel easy in taking part," Hiranuma said, reiterating Japan's position.
Regarding contentious issues that still overshadow the start of the trade negotiations, Hiranuma said he plans to have intensive discussions with the United States to review WTO antidumping rules to prevent abuse.
Japan also wants the world trade watchdog to establish comprehensive investment rules that facilitate direct investment by manufacturers.
Hiranuma said he will continue to try persuading opposing countries by reiterating that they would be given technical assistance, that rules would not be too stringent and that they would have the choice to opt out until ready to accept them.