EU: Japan hasn't yet passed non-tariff barriers test.

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The leaders of the European Union and Japan have finished their annual summit by affirming their commitment to an early conclusion of bilateral free trade talks.

However EU’s trade chief says Japan still has work to do to tear down non-tariff barriers facing EU companies. A decisive review of EU-Japan free trade talks is scheduled for next April.

Following the summit held at Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s official residence in Tokyo, both sides agreed to exchange "market access offers" on goods, services and procurement in an attempt to further negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement.

Japan and the EU launched talks on one of the world’s most ambitious trade deals last April. It drew opposition from European car makers who fear the deal would boost competition in their backyard without improving their access to the Japanese market.

To address such concerns, Brussels and Tokyo have agreed on "road maps" for Japan’s elimination of such barriers and creating a level playing field for EU firms bidding for lucrative railway contracts.

"In today’s world, besides the economy, we need to cherish common values and principles. This is why our strategic partnership is so important. Because our agreements, the strategic partnership agreement, will build on our like-mindedness and give more impetus to our growing cooperation and sectoral, global and political issues," said Jose Manuel Barroso, EU Commission President.

"Regarding economic issues, we agreed to aim for a comprehensive and high level Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. And I reaffirmed our strong commitment to the European Union to conclude an early deal on this agreement," said Shinzo Abe, Japanese PM.
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20/11/13