Suivi du commerce

Despite the COVID-19-related meeting constraints, the fourteenth Trade Policy Review of Japan has offered us a good opportunity to deepen our understanding of recent developments in, and challenges to, its trade, economic, and investment policies. Since its last TPR in 2017, Japan’s initiatives to maintain its position in the multilateral trading system and take advantage of the opportunities it offers have been greatly appreciated. Indeed, the about 753 advance written questions submitted by 32 Members and the 50 delegations that took the floor during the first and second day underline the importance attached by Members to Japan’s trade and investment policies and practices.

The year 2000 and the first part of 2001 was a busy and productive period for the WTO, with most activities falling into one of four categories: first, the launching of new negotiations on trade in agricultural products and trade in services; second, a broad range of ongoing activities that constitute the WTO’s day-to-day work, such as accessions and the settlement of disputes between the member countries; third, the adoption of new measures to assist the WTO’s least developed Members; and fourth, progress in dealing with issues arising out of the December 1999 Seattle Ministerial meeting, including renewed efforts to launch a comprehensive round of multilateral trade negotiations.

Section C showed how fundamental economic factors – demography, investment, technology, natural resources, transportation and institutions – can affect the future of trade. But trade takes place within a broader socio-economic context. This context matters for trade and trade policy. Historically, social and macroeconomic concerns have repeatedly influenced decisions in trade policy matters. Section B of this report provided examples of such situations. Both themes are currently high on the political agenda and will undoubtedly affect policy-makers’ views and positions in the area of trade reform in the future. A third factor relates to environmental concerns, an issue that has rapidly been gaining prominence in the national, regional and global policy debate. It has also been repeatedly linked to trade, notably in the context of a number of high-profile WTO disputes, in the context of regional trade agreements and as an element of the on-going Doha Development Agenda.