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On October 1, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the fifth meeting of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Task Force at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
At the meeting, a discussion was held on the basic policy (draft) on the revisions to the Comprehensive TPP-Related Policy Framework.
 
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
“Japan and the United States are allies, tied together by strong bonds for a long time. At the same time, we are also the first and third largest economies in the world. I am confident that further strengthening the economic ties between our two countries, which make up about 30% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), will contribute significantly to the development of a free and open global economy, in addition to the economic growth of Japan.
 
Recently, the trade agreement between our two countries has reached a final agreement. This agreement, in line with the Japan-U.S. Joint Statement issued in September last year, is a win-win for both countries.
 
Meanwhile, we also need to pay thorough attention to the persistent concerns among farmers and implement all possible measures. In particular, by taking firm steps to develop new markets for Japanese businesses and Japanese products, strengthen the competitiveness of domestic industries, and build strong agriculture, forestry and fishery industries as well as farming, mountain and fishing villages, I intend to make full use of the opportunities created by this agreement to bring about further growth for the economy across the whole of Japan.
 
Based on the basic policy approved today, I ask the Cabinet ministers to exercise your leadership, and proceed with reviews so that we can incorporate effective and efficient measures into the Policy Framework with the Government working as one.”