Latest Articles and Insights

Japan and EU continue to seek an early conclusion of EPA deal

Upon his visit to Germany for G20 foreign ministerial session, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida reconfirmed with European Union Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom to conclude the deadlock Japan-EU EPA negotiations as early as possible.  The on-going discussion, which begun in April 2013, was originally to reach an agreement in 2016 but carried over due to obstacles in agricultural products and automobiles.

GR Japan returns to co-host the Corporate Affairs Forum in Singapore on 30 March

GR Japan is pleased to announce that the company will co-host "The Corporate Affairs Forum" again this year.  The 2017 event, which will be held at the Fullerton Hotel Singapore, on Thursday, 30 March, explores the impact of changing economic realities and changing societies on corporate government relations and public affairs strategists.

GoJ to Launch New Organization on Trade Negotiations

According to the Nikkei Shimbun, the Government of Japan (GoJ) plans to launch a new organization on trade negotiations. Upon the inauguration of the new US administration, President Trump officially withdrew from the TPP agreement and accused Japan for not purchasing enough American automobiles. Japan is now rather forced to change the trade strategies, for fear of the trade friction.  For more details, please visit the article on the Nikkei Shimbun from the link below (Japanese only).

 

Diplomatic Issues Stressed in PM Abe's Policy Speech

In his policy speech delivered today, Prime Minister Abe indicated his efforts to survive the expected drastic changes in the world by emphasizing on challenges in diplomatic issues, such as the Japan-US alliance, the Northern Territories, and TPP. He also expressed his intentions to work on constitutional revision and the working-style reforms at this ordinary Diet session, in order to "pave the way for better future".

Obstacles may await Ordinary Diet session

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may face the robust discussions and challenging tasks during the 193rd ordinary Diet session, which will be convened tomorrow, 20 January. Among 86 bills to be submitted, a few of them, such as a bill on the imperial abdication and a so-called "conspiracy bill", are expected to cause turbulence between the ruling and opposition parties.

PM Abe pledges his continuous focus on economy in 2017

As the year of 2017 starts, Prime Minister Abe published his New Year's reflection, expressing his continuous focus and efforts on the economic growth. He also clarifies his interest in the Constitution, since 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of it coming into force, and positions the year as a threshold to pave the way for future. For the complete text, please visit the Cabinet Secretariat's website from the link below. 

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