Regional and Bilateral Initiatives
Introduction to the Canada-Japan Economic Framework and Joint
Study
Economic ties have formed a cornerstone of the Canada-Japan relationship,
and both countries have recognized the importance of continuing
to focus on bilateral economic relations to ensure that the relationship
reaches its full potential. Today, trade in goods and services spans
the full spectrum of economic activity, bilateral investment has
reached an all-time high and cooperation in science and technology
is steadily increasing. In order to propel economic relations toward
their full potential, the Governments of Canada and Japan launched
discussions for the development of a flexible, innovative Canada-Japan
Economic Framework on January 19, 2005, during a visit by Prime
Minister Paul Martin to Tokyo. A joint
statement and an outline of plans to develop the Framework (Launching
an Innovative Canada-Japan Economic Framework) were jointly
issued by the Canadian and Japanese Prime Ministers in January 2005.
On November 19, 2005, the Governments of Canada and Japan marked
the completion of the Framework’s development with a joint
signing of the final documents by the Prime Ministers on the
margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’
Meeting in Busan, Korea. Aimed at reinforcing existing bilateral
economic ties and addressing new and emerging commercial challenges
and opportunities, the Framework reinvigorates the existing government-to-government
dialogue, lays the groundwork for future cooperation on priority
areas, and emphasizes the important role of the private sector in
guiding future initiatives.
The Framework includes two
attachments: an agreed list of fifteen priority
areas of cooperation and the terms
of reference of a joint study. Since January, many of the Framework’s
priority areas of cooperation have yielded early results, including
the conclusion of a cooperation
agreement on anticompetitive activities, a customs
cooperation arrangement, a memorandum
of understanding of bilateral investment promotion cooperation,
and an agreement in principle on social security. Steps have also
been taken to enhance dialogues on other important issues, including
food safety and double-taxation. A Cooperative Working Group, established
by the Framework and consisting of representatives from the governments
of both countries, will help ensure that the list of priority areas
of cooperation remains up-to-date and relevant to Canadian and Japanese
business.
The Joint Study, officially launched at the time of the Framework’s
signing, will be completed over 12 months, and a report will be
sent to the Prime Ministers following its conclusion. In addition
to examining the benefits and costs of the further promotion of
trade and investment, the Joint Study will include an assessment
of the implications of further bilateral trade and investment liberalization.
The provinces and territories, members of the private sector, and
other key stakeholders will be consulted to ensure that the Joint
Study is meaningful and comprehensive. This meeting, the first of
four meetings planned on the Joint Study, allowed for a detailed
exchange on modalities and initial views on the contents of the
study.
A first meeting of the Joint Study Working Group was held in Ottawa
on December 13-14, 2005.
Update
A second meeting of the Joint Study Working Group, which comprises
Canadian and Japanese government officials, was held on April 5-7,
2006, in Tokyo. This meeting allowed for a discussion of the initial
draft text of the joint study and plans to incorporate feedback
received from stakeholders in both Canada and Japan. The next working
group meeting, the third of four meetings planned before the study’s
completion, will be held from June 5 to 8, 2006, in Toronto and
Ottawa.
Domestic consultations on the Canada-Japan Joint Study were launched
in early April with the publication of a Canada
Gazette notice. In particular, the Canadian government is seeking
guidance from provincial and territorial representatives and key
stakeholders, including members of the business community, on barriers
that limit the expansion of bilateral trade and investment with
Japan. The Government is also inviting views on potential policy
tools to address these issues. The deadline for submissions under
the Canada Gazette notice is May 31, 2006. For more information
please see the following Web site: Consultations
on the Development of the Canada-Japan Joint Study.
Contact Point
If you have questions or comments about this initiative, we would
like to hear from you.
With regard to the Framework and priority areas of cooperation,
please contact:
Asia Commercial Relations Division (WOA)
International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
Fax: 613-944-3049
E-mail : consultations@international.gc.ca
With regard to the Joint Study, please contact:
Regional Trade Policy Division (TBB)
International Trade Canada (ITCan)
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
Fax: 613-944-0757
E-mail : consultations@international.gc.ca
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