#JAPAN: Upper House Passes Trans-Pacific Partnership, Unlikely To Become Operational

[world politics news]

Japan's Upper House has passed bills to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal and prepare related measures, despite the fact that incoming US Pres. Donald Trump's opposition to the deal means it will likely never come into effect. The TPP calls for Japan to scrap tariffs in phases on 95 percent of its imports, including agricultural and industrial goods. The pact also stipulates a wide range of trade and investment rules including protection of intellectual property rights and settlement of investment disputes.

[FULL STORY HERE]

#JAPAN: PM Abe To Focus On Passage of TPP Trade Deal, Economic Reform In Parliament

[world politics news]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed Monday at the start of a 66-day session of the Diet to swiftly ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact and find new avenues for economic growth.
In a policy speech, the Japanese premier pitched the session as a chance to accelerate his "Abenomics" package of monetary and fiscal stimulus and structural reforms.

[FULL STORY HERE] 

#JAPAN: Quakes Delaying Trade Package Debate In Parliament

[world politics news]

The Diet is expected to delay debate and ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact until after its ongoing ordinary session, while the government gives top priority to responding to a series of powerful earthquakes in the Kyushu southwestern region, mainly Kumamoto Prefecture.

#JAPAN: Lawmakers Begin Debate On TPP Trade Deal; Farmers Oppose

[world politics news]

The House of Representatives has started deliberations on a Pacific Rim free trade deal, with the ruling parties looking to have it ratified before June 1. Measures to support farmers, who will face an influx of cheaper products from abroad under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, are expected to be a major part of the deal.