Press releases

Promotion of the EU-Japan Economic Integration Agreement

10 March 2011

Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA)

Europe is a key market for Japanfs IT and electronics industry, while Japanese firms have created many jobs in the European Union through business operations such as production, sales and R&D, contributing to the regionfs economic development as European corporate citizens.

In recent years, countries around the world have been accelerating strategic efforts to expand trade and investment by strengthening regional ties with their key trading partners. The EU too has been pursuing free trade agreements (FTAs) based on "EUROPE 2020", moving forward in their negotiations with other countries.

With the EU strengthening its ties with other countries in terms of economic activities, Japan needs to secure a level playing field in European markets as well as equal cooperative relations in order for the EU to remain an attractive market.

The early conclusion of an EU-Japan Economic Integration Agreement (EIA) aimed at comprehensive economic integration between Japan and the EU would accordingly be a valuable step, advancing economic exchange between Japan and the EU and also contributing to the sustained development of both economies.

With both governments currently engaged in considerations as to how political and economic relations between Japan and the EU could be strengthened, JEITA looks forward to the development of a consensus between Japan and the EU and the early conclusion of an EIA.