Japan to Carry Flag of Free Trade at G-20 Summit: Abe

January 8, 2019

Tokyo--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday expressed his determination to lead discussions to promote free trade at a Group of 20 summit in Osaka in June, amid increasing protectionist moves by the United States.

"Japan wants to play its role as a bearer of the flag of free trade. This year's G-20 meeting will be very important," Abe said at a New Year's party hosted mainly by Jiji Press.

Abe cited the effectuation of the 11-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement last month and the planned enforcement of Japan's economic partnership agreement with the European Union in February as achievements by his country.

As for the envisioned Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership trade agreement among 16 Asia-Pacific countries, which is currently under negotiation, Abe said, "I want to realize an agreement by cooperating with China."

Meanwhile, Abe also said he wants to run his administration this year with "modesty while keeping a flexible and generous mind." Jiji Press