Japan suggests ASEAN reduce EAFTA tariff barrier

PHETCHABURI, 25 October 2009 (NNT) – Japan has suggested ASEAN reduce tariff barrier in the East Asian Free Trade Area (EAFTA) by 2015, according to Spokesperson to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kazuo Kodama at a press briefing on Sunday at Sheraton Resort and Spa.

Speaking at 11.30 hrs today, Mr Kodama stressed the importance of the EAFTA tariff reduction and reiterated to ASEAN to meet the goal by the set timeframe. He also pledged the Japanese assistance to the fullest extent on the issue. Moreover, Japan declared its target to reduce green house gas emissions by 25% before 2020, but the spokesperson admitted that the aim might be quite difficult to achieve.

Upon a query of media that both Japan and China were competing for trade and investment benefits by giving aid to ASEAN, Mr Kodama responded that the aid given by both countries to ASEAN were good for ASEAN itself. He then confirmed healthy ties of Japan and China by citing the positive discussion between leaders of the two countries, Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.

During the summit and bilateral sessions, both Japan and China have been offering to give aid and collaborating with ASEAN more in many aspects, especially to support the establishment of ASEAN Community via reducing developmental gap and enhancing their connectivity. These issues were addressed during a press briefing by Commerce Minister Pornthiva Nakasai and her deputy Alongkorn Ponlaboot on Saturday.

Reference : http://thainews.prd.go.th/