Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has made a speech in favor of free trade in the Asia-Pacific region to an online summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
Suga told APEC leaders on Friday that an increase in free trade, investment and connectivity based on international rules will help to protect a free and open region.
The Prime Minister suggested that to achieve the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, a proposed deal that would take in the APEC countries, Japan will steadily implement and work to expand the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal. He said it will also push ahead with efforts to put the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership into effect soon.
Suga also told the forum that his government’s top priorities include achieving a carbon neutral society and promoting a shift to digital technology.
And he said Japan remains determined to hold a successful Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games next year.
Following the summit, APEC leaders issued their first declaration in three years.
