Prime Minister Naoto Kan attended the fourth Ministerial Meeting for the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) held at the Diet building.

During the meetings, it was confirmed that, while maintaining the fundamental ideas of the Basic Policy on Comprehensive Economic Partnerships approved by the Cabinet on November 9, 2010, the specific steps to be taken for this would be reconsidered.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said, "We have confirmed our policy to pursue open economic revitalization by strengthening the bonds of friendship among nations, in line with the basic principles laid out in the policy guidelines approved by the Cabinet on May 17. The fundamental ideas of the Basic Policy on Comprehensive Economic Partnerships decided in November last year will be maintained. Meanwhile, I would like to reconsider the specific procedures to be taken as a consequence of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Furthermore, there will be the Japan-EU Summit Meeting starting next week. I would like to take this opportunity to move our economic partnership agreement (EPA) initiatives forward. In this context, I would definitely like the Government to work as one to address such issues as non-tariff measures or public procurement.
Prior to the Japan-EU Summit Meeting, there will be the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting this weekend. I would also like to ask that arrangements be made to accelerate the ongoing joint study work for a Japan-China-ROK free trade agreement (FTA)."