Cerebrating U.S. President

On certain point of time in negotiation, Japan shifted its attitude to Trans-Pacific Partnership, a framework for free trade in Asia-Pacific region, from reluctant position to positive. Now, it is encouraging United States, the constant leader for the framework, to participate in. Decision makers in Japan seem to be leaving behind, or ignoring, firm opposition to TPP inside their country.

The political struggle in United Statesover vesting President Barack Obama a freehand on the negotiation over TPP was closely watched in Japan. Receiving the news that Obama achieved the power with approval from both Houses on the Capitol Hill, Japanese political leaders delivered the comment to cerebrate U.S. President to have managed to see green light for TPP. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued a comment to welcome the decision of U.S. Senate and Congress.

The most delighted was Akira Amari, Minister in charge of TPP, who had been announcing that U.S. decision would be soon to persuade reluctant people in Japan. “It is possible for Japan and U.S.and other countries to have comprehensive agreement in July,” told Amari to the reporters soon after he got the news of U.S. approval. He predicted that ministers meeting would be held at the end of July.

Japanese government is rolling up its sleeves for coming tough negotiation. “After U.S. passes Trade Promotion Authority bill, all nations go forward to the final deal,” told Amari, showing determination to the negotiation. If he can achieve a certain goal in this issue, he will be retired as Minister for TPP in the cabinet reshuffle this fall. Suffered from cancer in the middle of the negotiation, concluding the negotiation may literally be vital for his life.

Japan is focusing on bilateral negotiation with U.S. along with TPP. On the tariff on Japanese car parts to U.S., both reached a rough agreement on abolishing it within ten years. But, on rice, both are still talking about the amount of annual import of U.S. rice to Japan free from tariff.

In the negotiation over intellectual property in TPP, there still exists a difference on how long the data of medicines should be preserved. While U.S. proposes ten years or more for data preservation in favor of major pharmaceutical corporations, Australiainsists on five years or less to lower the price of medicine. Negotiation on TPP is still not in the situation to see the goal.

Japan is not so free for the negotiation. National Diet of Japan passed a resolution to regulate Japanese government in the negotiation for some points. Japan has not achieved the requirement. It is possible for Japanese government to make a deal ignoring fundamental opposition from the people, mainly the farmers. Its consequence is coming on the leading party, which has been based on local community.