CCCJ roundtable on Joint Study on the Possibility of a Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

On Wednesday, July 13, the CCCJ was invited by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) to present to officials at a Roundtable session focusing on the Joint Study on the Possibility of a Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

The CCCJ presentation focused on the current Canadian business presence in Japan, bilateral trade and investment trends and opportunities, and provided an overview of opportunities by sector. The presentation was closed with the CCCJ's input on the benefits and advantages of a bilateral EPA, as well as the potential risks of failure in the discussions. To view the CCCJ presentation, please see the attached file below.

Following the CCCJ presentation, a number of Corporate Members of the CCCJ who were participating in the Roundtable session spoke briefly about how current commercial relations could be improved for their specific sectors, via liberalization of trade and elimination of non-tariff barriers.

The CCCJ will continue to bring the voice of Canadian business in Japan to the attention of officials and we urge both governments to conclude the Joint Study as quickly as possible and commence negotiations of a bilateral EPA.

On Thursday, July 14, the CCCJ hosted David Plunkett, Chief Trade Negotiator (Bilateral and Regional), Trade Policy and Negotiations, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

In Japan for advanced discussions related to the Joint Study on the Possibility of a Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, David spoke to a solid gathering of CCCJ Members about Canada's efforts and progress thus far in the bilateral discussions. Accompanied by a number of his staff, David and his team obliged to a Q&A session following his presentation where a well rounded discussion took place.

The CCCJ wishes to extend its appreciation to David Plunkett and his team for their time and for providing an insightful presentation to our Members.

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epajuly13.pdf	587.9 KB