Japan seeks comprehensive review of JPEPA

MANILA, Philippines – The Japanese government would like to make a comprehensive review of the Japan Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

An industry insider who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that Japan would push for a comprehensive review of the agreement in December.

The joint committee meeting for the JPEPA will be held in the Philippines early December.

Two weeks ago, a Filipino contingent went to Japan for the scheduled subcommittee review. The three committees are trade in goods, investment and ROO (rules of origin). The source said that the talks in trade in goods was especially tedious because the Philippines is on the losing end because the Philippines is buying more from Japan.

For investments, the source said the Philippines did not receive as much investments as promised by Japan when the negotiations were taking place.

The Philippines is gearing for a major review of the agreement in order to gain as much from the JPEPA like more overseas sales of goods and more jobs. The source said a big review may mean another ratification in Senate because it is similar to amending a law.

The source said the movement of persons specifically the number of Filipino nurses hired in Japan will be discussed. Tariffs on agricultural products are also expected to be tabled. The source said the country’s exports are having difficulty entering the Japanese markets because of stringent restrictions. –Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star)