EXCLUSIVE: Japan to Launch Framework for Talks with Mercosur Sat.

Tokyo, Dec. 19 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government will launch a framework of strategic partnership with the Mercosur trade bloc as early as Saturday to discuss stronger economic ties, it was learned Friday. The government will work to hold the first meeting under the framework early next year, according to government sources. After having talks several times with the South American group comprising Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, Tokyo aims to start a joint study on an economic partnership agreement. Issues expected to be discussed include cooperation in economic security, such as supplies of important minerals, and the promotion of renewable energy, on top of enhancing trade and investment. The Japanese business sector, especially the automobile industry, is calling for the early conclusion of an EPA with the Mercosur bloc. On the other hand, the agricultural sector maintains a cautious stance as South America is a major exporter of beef and farm products. Launching the partnership framework was agreed at a summit meeting in Tokyo in March between Japan and Brazil, this year’s chair of the 3-trillion-dollar, 300-million-population common market in the southern hemisphere. Japan has been in economic dialogue with the Mercosur group since 2012. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]