10 March 2011
Promotion of the EU-Japan Economic Integration Agreement
Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA)
Europe is a key market for Japanfs 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 regionfs 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.
