Pursuits
Japan Is Pressed by EU to Reach Free-Trade Agreement in 2016
- EU negotiator warns of European skepticism if talks drag on
- Japanese action demanded on food, auto and railway markets
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Japan should aim to reach a free-trade agreement with the European Union next year or risk undermining EU interest in a deal, the 28-nation bloc’s chief negotiator warned.
Mauro Petriccione said an EU-Japan FTA could be struck within months after two-and-a-half years of talks if Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe commits to scrapping import duties on European foods and drinks, scaling back non-tariff barriers for cars and opening up public procurement in the railway industry. In exchange, the EU is prepared to eliminate its tariff on autos from Japan and ease access to Europe for Japanese executives.