Lead The World in Free Trade By Approving TPP

Published in
(Japan) on 14 October 2016
by (link to originallink to original)
Translated from by Fatuma Muhamed. Edited by Helaine Schweitzer.
The National Diet has begun deliberating whether to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, along with other related bills.

As the U.S. and Europe grow more critical of – and defensive against – economic globalization, the rest of the world is closely watching Japan. In this current Diet session, Japan should lead the charge in free trade and vote in favor of the TPP.

The TPP would not only abolish tariffs on goods, but also establish rules on the environment, labor and intellectual property. It is a 21st century free trade agreement that will set a true global standard on rules concerning high-level trade and investments.

Both American presidential candidates oppose the TPP. President Obama sought to have it approved by Congress, but many said it would be difficult to agree to the deal at such an early stage.

Under these circumstances, there are those in Japan who say there's no need to rush the TPP's approval, but isn't that too negative and self-centered?

In order for the TPP to take effect, both the U.S. and Japan, major powers in their respective regions, will have to bring domestic proceedings to a close. For this reason, approving the trade pact during the current Diet session could become Japan's greatest diplomatic playing card.

First and foremost we must clearly define the details of the TPP and make it clear that Japan will not renegotiate. With this, the U.S. Congress will be pressured to ratify the agreement.

Second, Australia, New Zealand and other participating nations should follow Japan's lead, promoting congressional approval and other domestic proceedings.

Third, we can expect this ruling to have a favorable influence on other trade deals. For example, in negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Japan could turn countries like China or India – two nations cautious of liberalization – toward a more positive attitude.

Japan is currently negotiating an economic partnership with the European Union, with the goal of reaching an agreement on an outline by the end of the year.

Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Taiwan have all shown interest in the TPP, and it's been reported that South Korea will also participate in the future.

In order to get support from nations and regions, Japan must take the initiative and fulfill its own obligations. Hopefully, the opposition will deliberate with a constructive attitude as well.


国会で環太平洋経済連携協定(TPP)承認案・関連法案の審議が始まる。

 米欧で経済のグローバル化への批判や保護主義的な動きが強まるなか、日本の動向は世界が注視している。日本は今国会でTPP承認案を確実に成立させ、自由貿易の推進を主導すべきだ。

 日米など12カ国が合意したTPPは物品の関税撤廃だけでなく、環境や労働、知的財産などの分野を含めて広範なルールを定めている。高水準の貿易・投資ルールは、実質的に世界標準となる21世紀型の自由貿易協定といわれる。

 米国では2人の大統領候補がそろってTPPに反対している。オバマ米大統領は在任中に議会の承認を得たい考えだが、野党の米共和党から早期承認は難しいとの声が出ている。

 こうした状況を踏まえ、日本国内では「TPP承認案の成立を急ぐ必要はない」との声が出ているが、あまりに消極的で内向きの発想ではないか。

 TPPが発効するには、域内の大国である日米両国がそろって国内手続きを終える必要がある。だからこそ、日本がTPP承認案を今国会で成立させることが最大の外交カードとなり得る。

 第1に、TPPの内容を確定し「再交渉はあり得ない」との立場をはっきりさせることで、米議会が承認するよう強く圧力をかけられるようになる。

 第2に、オーストラリアやニュージーランドなど他のTPP参加国も日本に追随し、議会承認などの国内手続きを進めやすくなる。

 第3に、他の通商交渉への好影響が期待できる。たとえば、日中韓インドなど16カ国による東アジア地域包括的経済連携(RCEP)交渉で、自由化に慎重な中国やインドに前向きな姿勢に転じるよう迫ることができる。

 日本は欧州連合(EU)との経済連携交渉で年内の大筋合意をめざしている。TPP承認案の成立を先送りすれば、EUが求めている農産品の関税削減・撤廃などで日本は妥協案を示せず、交渉が漂流するリスクさえある。

 すでにインドネシア、タイ、フィリピン、台湾などがTPPへの関心を示し、韓国も将来の参加の意向が伝えられている。

 日本はこうした国・地域を支援するためにも、率先して自らの責務を果たすべきだ。野党も建設的な態度で審議に臨んでほしい。
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