Agreement to start negotiations in four areas, including strengthening the supply network of important goods including IPEF semiconductors | NHK

The IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework), a new framework for economic partnership advocated by the United States, has concluded its ministerial-level meeting, and issued ministerial statements on four areas, including strengthening the supply chain for important goods such as semiconductors. In summary, we agreed to start negotiations.

With China’s growing influence in mind, the IPEF is a framework in which 14 countries, including Japan, the United States, India, and Australia, participate. METI Minister Nishimura attended the first face-to-face ministerial-level meeting.

The meeting ended in the early hours of the 10th, Japan time, and US Secretary of Commerce Remond and Thailand’s Trade Representative held a press conference to announce ministerial statements.

At the IPEF, negotiations will cover four areas, including strengthening the supply chain of important goods such as semiconductors, and facilitation of trade using digital technology.

Unlike previous economic partnerships, each country could choose which sector to participate in, but with the exception of India, which did not participate in “trade”, all countries will start negotiations in four sectors. .

Japan, together with the United States, will work with other countries to aim for the realization of a new and effective framework.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura “It’s a big step, but this is the starting point”

At a press conference after the meeting, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura said, “The IPEF is a framework that tackles the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific from an economic perspective. It is also important from a strategic point of view.”

In addition, regarding the role that Japan will play in future negotiations, he said, “This ministerial statement is a big step in which 14 countries will participate, but this is the starting point. I want to contribute to the

In addition, Minister Nishimura commented on the current situation in which the United States is withdrawing from the TPP, saying, “In addition to high-level rules, the TPP has sensitive items, but we will reduce tariffs as much as possible to create a free and fair economic zone. I have consistently told the United States that it is desirable to return to the TPP,” he said, indicating that he would urge the United States to return to the TPP in parallel with the IPEF negotiations.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Lemond: ‘We can achieve common interests’

At a press conference after the IPEF ministerial meeting, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Lemond said, “The IPEF is not a traditional trade agreement, so it is not a traditional trade agreement. There was skepticism from the outset that there would be visible benefits, but the meeting was filled with an atmosphere of optimism and positive engagement.We have a clear economic roadmap for competitiveness and sustainability. We have, and America can work with our partners to realize our common interests.”

The U.S. Trade Representative for Thailand also said, “The IPEF embodies how we are going to bring about equitable growth in the Indo-Pacific region. Ministers from 14 countries with different political situations and priorities have come together. It is very difficult to stay there, but through the discussions at the meeting, we have made significant progress towards our goals, and I am pleased to conclude a ministerial statement demonstrating our ambition and innovation.”