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2007年1月WTO对日本贸易政策审议 -主席总结发言(英文)
TRADE POLICY REVIEW: JAPAN

31 January and 2 February 2007

Concluding remarks by the Chairperson


The eighth Trade Policy Review of Japan has been informative and open, thus contributing to a much enhanced understanding of Japan's trade and related policies. Our discussions have greatly benefited from the active engagement of the Japanese delegation led by Ambassador Yokota, from the insightful contributions by the discussant, Ambassador Valles Galmés, and from thoughtful interventions made by a large number of WTO Members.

Members were encouraged by the continued growth of Japan's economy (second largest in the world), which is important for the prosperity of the world economy and the expansion of trade. Members recognized that the multilateral trading system, by keeping foreign markets open to Japan's exports, contributed greatly to its economic growth. However, they enquired whether the sustainability of Japan's recovery might be undermined by, for example, the combination of high public debt and a rapidly aging population. Members encouraged Japan to continue its reform process and improve its market access, particularly in agriculture.

Members welcomed Japan's active role in the multilateral trading system, particularly its strong support for the Doha Development Agenda. In this respect, Members commended Japan for providing trade-related technical assistance and capacity building initiatives to developing and least developed countries, as well as financial assistance with respect to “aid for trade”. Members also expressed their appreciation of the preferential market access provided by Japan to developing countries and LDCs, and its commitment to provide duty-free and quota-free market access for products from LDCs; they encouraged Japan to open further its market in respect of exports of these countries. Members also noted Japan's increasing involvement in bilateral/regional trading arrangements; they urged Japan to ensure that these arrangements are fully compatible with the multilateral system.

Members expressed their appreciation of steps taken by Japan to liberalize further its trade regime. Many imports enter Japan duty-free or at low tariff rates and most applied rates coincide with the bound rates, imparting a high degree of predictability to the tariff. However, Japan's tariff structure remains complex, involving significant tariff peaks (often involving non-ad valorem rates) and, for some products, tariff quotas. These mainly involve agricultural and food products, textiles and clothing, and leather and leather products. Members expressed their concern about the recent decrease in the share of overseas goods and services in Japan's government procurement and encouraged Japan to promote foreign participation in its government procurement. Steps to strengthen intellectual property rules and to expedite registration procedures for patents were welcomed.

While appreciating Japan's moves to harmonize its standards and technical regulations with international norms, and further accepting foreign test results, many Members expressed concern over the level of complexity and transparency in Japan's sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, technical regulations and standards. Some Members raised questions on national treatment with regard to the application of SPS measures. They encouraged Japan to employ these measures in the least trade-restrictive manner.

Members welcomed Japan's recent strengthening of competition policy. Members also appreciated continued enhancement of transparency and progress in regulatory reforms, as provided for in the Government's three year programme and the Special Zones for regulatory reform. In addition, Members enquired about factors discouraging inward foreign direct investment (FDI), which remains relatively low. Members appreciated the progress in privatizing public services, particularly Japan Post; they encouraged Japan to ensure a level playing field in the markets concerned (e.g. banking, insurance).

On agriculture, Members were interested in Japan's plan to move away from price support to income support; at the same time, they were concerned that the level of domestic support for agriculture was apparently as large as the sector's contribution to GDP. Many Members were concerned about Japan's use of import quotas on fish. On manufacturing, Members were interested in Japan's plans to promote particular sectors. Members appreciated reforms in the energy and services sectors, particularly, in financial services, telecommunications and legal services. Members expressed their belief that reforms should continue with a view to enhancing competition not only in these services, but also in transport, medical and educational services.

In closing, I would like to thank the Japanese delegation for the oral and written responses provided during the meeting; we all look forward to receiving answers on outstanding questions. The keen interest shown by Members in this review, with the large number of advanced written questions, numerous interventions and high attendance, reflects the importance that Members attach to Japan's role in the multilateral trading system. It also demonstrates the value of the TPRM even for Members which, like Japan, maintain relatively open and transparent trade and investment regimes. This review has highlighted a number of possible improvements to Japan's trade regime, many of which could be brought about as part of the DDA negotiations. In this regard, I am encouraged by the statement by Japan that its long run economic interests have been very well served by its commitment to the multilateral trading system. I also hope that Japan will take to heart the concerns expressed by Members, particularly with regard to its policies on agriculture, tariff and non-tariff measures, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, government procurement, and FDI.

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