[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the 16th Meeting amongst Main Ministers on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the situation relating to the TPP in Japan and overseas.

Based on the discussion in the meeting, the Prime Minister said,

“Today the global free trade system is at a crossroads. There are concerns that the benefits of economic growth are not being shared equally and if these concerns spread it could threaten support for free trade. We must not ignore these incipient buds of protectionism. They must be stopped, with all countries working to promote free trade with the understanding and support of their people.

The world is watching what Japan will do. We must take the lead ahead of other countries in gaining the approval of the Diet for the TPP agreement, and so providing impetus towards its early entry into force. I firmly believe that this is the mission of Japan, as a country that has achieved economic development through free trade. We must achieve this goal in the current session of the Diet.

Under the new TPP rules an economic sphere covering 40% of the world’s economy will be created that correctly appreciate added value. The TPP will enable agricultural businesses and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to make great advances. There are growing expectations for the early entry into force of the TPP, as a trigger for growth.

The TPP is not just about economics. It will deepen the economic bonds between countries that share the same basic values. This will help to stabilize the region.

Through deliberations in the Diet we will gain the understanding and support of the people of Japan. To this end we must provide careful explanations and engage fully in discussions. I want the Government to work together and focus all its energies with this in mind.”