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| CCCJ launches EPA Research Fund, to assess private sector opportunities |
TOKYO, Nov 8, 2012 - (ACN Newswire) - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ), with the support of the Keidanren and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), on 2 November hosted a high-level symposium regarding the proposed Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The event was the first private sector conversation aimed at achieving an EPA tailored to the extent possible to the needs of the business communities of Canada and Japan.
With negotiations between the two governments to commence 26 November, the Symposium gathered key Canadian and Japanese stakeholders from the private sector for engaged discussion on pertinent issues and strategies to achieve a successful bilateral agreement. Among the opportunities identified:
-- Elimination and reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers in both Canada and Japan.
-- Opening up of business opportunities in new sectors, such as the Service Industry.
-- Encouragement of further investment and exchange in areas such as Science and Technology.
According to the Joint Study conducted by the two governments, the EPA could mean a rise in Canada's GDP of between 0.24% to 0.57%, and Japan's by between 0.08% to 0.09%. Based on 2010 GDP data, this means Canada's economy could see a boost of between US$3.8 billion to US$9.0 billion, with Japan's economy seeing a rise of between US$4.4 billion to US$4.9 billion.
In recognition of the importance of the business community providing input into the EPA through the respective governments, at the Symposium the CCCJ announced the launch of an EPA Research Fund. The Fund supports the development of a research report identifying on a sector-by-sector basis the tariff and non-tariff issues which the Canadian and Japanese business communities feel need addressing. It is headed by CCCJ Board Member Stephen Huggins of TSI International Group, who will manage the polling of the business communities of both Canada and Japan for the effort.
Keynote speaker and the President and CEO of the CCC the Honourable Perrin Beatty said, "A powerful Japan is a friend and ally with whom we can do business. Canada and Japan are like old friends who have been sitting together on a park bench - no disputes, but not achieving much together either. Now is the time for us to change that."
President of the CCCJ Wilf Wakely said, "Canada and Japan represent complementary strengths, and a strong bilateral relationship, developed based on mutual respect and trust. We should not slip from complementarity into complacency - our sights are set on an ambitious agreement that significantly benefits both countries."
In addition to the Keidanren and the CCC, the initiative attracted the support of the Embassy of Canada to Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI). Besides private sector participants, it was attended by officials from across the public sector, including MOFA, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), METI and the Canadian Embassy.
Panelists included representatives from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Japan's Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives (JA-Zenchu), Canada Wood Group, National Federation of Forest Owners Cooperative Association, Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, Japan Automobile Manufacturers' Association(JAMA) and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC). The discussions were moderated by Japan's former Ambassador to Canada and Chairman of the CCCJ's Honorary Board of Advisors Sadaaki Numata and Charles McMillan, Professor of Strategic Management and International Business at York University's Schulich School of Business and a former senior policy adviser to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
Full release: http://www.acnnewswire.com/clientreports/1108/1108.pdf
About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Promoting the development of commerce between Canada and Japan since 1975, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ) is a private sector, not-for-profit business organization serving its members through communications, networking and advocacy. Representing some 35 business sectors, the CCCJ is a member-driven, member-focused organization and is the longest serving Canadian Chamber in Asia with over 300 representative members.
Our members represent a broad cross-section of businesspersons and entrepreneurs from Canada, Japan and other countries. They include Canadian companies operating in Japan, Japanese companies and individuals with ties to Canada, small business owners and Canadians working in Japan.
Contact us to find out more about how the Chamber can help you. www.cccj.or.jp
Contact:
David Anderson
CCCJ Executive Director
Tel: + 81 3 5775 9508
Email: david.anderson@cccj.or.jp
Topic: Press release summary
Source: The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Sectors: Daily News
https://www.acnnewswire.com
From the Asia Corporate News Network
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