Japan's auto makers welcome EU-Japan free trade move

ERJ staff report (BC)

Tokyo - The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) has welcomed a decision by the European Union's 27 member countries to mandate the European Commission to open negotiations for a bilateral EU-Japan free trade agreement.

On behalf of the Commission, Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht said that the EU Council of Ministers' green light “was an important political decision if we want to foster growth and jobs in Europe,” adding “That's exactly what our economies need.”

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry also warmly welcomed the decision, and its Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed that “the economic partnership agreement will benefit economic growth both for Japan and Europe.”

JAMA members claim 12 plants in seven countries in the EU and 12 R&D centres in five countries, with over 164,000 people are employed through their activities there. In 2011 their purchases of EU-made auto parts totalled €11.75 billion.

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News release