Japan will continue efforts during the ongoing World Trade Organization negotiations to set up frameworks for nonfarm trade liberalization by Saturday's deadline, trade minister Takeo Hiranuma said Tuesday.
"Since there is still time for negotiations, we want to commit ourselves to the talks without prejudgment," Hiranuma said at a news conference after a Cabinet meeting.
A three-day WTO session got under way Monday in Geneva to deal with a proposal presented May 16 by Pierre-Louis Girard, chairman of the WTO's nonfarm trade negotiations.
Parties are making efforts to agree on a broad framework on nonfarm trade before the end of May.
The proposal calls for across-the-board tariff cuts and the future elimination of tariffs on seven nonfarm products.
Japan, however, expressed opposition Monday to the proposal, saying it contains some serious problems. It said the calls for eliminating tariffs on marine products, footwear and leather goods are unacceptable.
Hiranuma skips APEC
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Takeo Hiranuma said Tuesday he will miss a trade ministers meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum slated for June 2 and 3 in Khon Kaen, Thailand, due to a tight Diet schedule.
Hiranuma told a news conference that Sanae Takaichi, senior vice minister in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, will probably attend the conference on his behalf, adding the ministry is finalizing the schedule.
APEC, established in 1989, consists of Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.