Japan calls for ASEAN solidarity
Japan calls for ASEAN solidarity
TOKYO (AFP): Japan called Wednesday for Southeast Asia to join hands with Tokyo at landmark global trade talks in Seattle, predicting tough negotiations ahead on farm trade, officials said.
Foreign Minister Yohei Kono sent the message to seven Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members -- Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Myanmar.
They are the only ASEAN countries which are also members of the World Trade Organization.
"The prosperity of Japan and ASEAN is closely linked to effective operation of the multilateral trade system," Kono said in the message, according a copy released by the foreign ministry.
"Since we have to make our utmost effort for a success in the ministerial meeting, we would like to call for further cooperation with the ASEAN members," he said.
Kono is to attend the WTO talks, which begin in Seattle on November 30, together with Japan's trade minister Takashi Fukuya.
The foreign minister sought Southeast Asian support for Japan's campaign to protect agriculture.
"As for agriculture, some (WTO) member countries are calling for a framework designed to make negotiations in advance," said the foreign minister.
"That makes preparation procedures in the agricultural issue difficult," Kono said.
Japan was keen to have the words "multi-functionality of agriculture" in the draft text for Seattle, WTO director-general Mike Moore said on a visit in Japan last month.
The phrase recognizes farming's role in the environment and resources, helping to fend off pressure for liberalization.
But U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky has rejected Japan's demand, saying Washington will try to block any reference to multi-functionality in the ministerial declaration.
In the message, Kono expressed concern about Tuesday's failure by WTO members to forge a common statement for the Seattle meeting.
"The preparation process in Geneva is not going smoothly. We share the concern that a number of items will remain unsolved when the ministerial meeting begins," Kono said.