Japan to liberalise some market access

Press, 29 August 1984, Page 2

Japan to liberalise some market access

From

BRUCE ROSCOE

in Tokyo

The Japanese Government has agreed to free up market access in 11 trade areas as a result of negotiations between Japanese and New Zealand officials, according to the New Zealand Embassy at Tokyo. In releasing details of the trade liberalisation, the Embassy was dismissing an allegation reported in New Zealand that “no concrete concessions” had been § -anted by the Japanese ovemment in any of the 44 product areas for which New Zealand had been negotiating unrestricted market access since April, 1982.

While no breakthroughs had been made in access for primary products such as beef or butter, the Embassy said the series of small concessions was important because the culminative ef-

feet would be to improve significantly New Zealand’s trading position with Japan. In response to New Zealand’s requests, Japan has increased import quotas for Leather, and abolished quotas on fruit preparations and juices of berryfruit and other tropical fruits of interest to New Zealand. This concession, however, does not include blueberry and strawberry juice. Tests for the presence of antibiotics in New Zealand honey have been stopped, health test requirements on New Zealand breeding cattle exported to Japan relaxed, and access for animal semen improved. Regulations on packaging of imported dairy products have been liberalised and plant quarantine inspection facilities at Narita Airport been improved and expanded. The Japanese Govern-

ment is believed to have acted also in response to pressure from other countries in lowering trade barriers in some of these cases.

Japan has further agreed to reduce substantially import tariffs on, among other items, biscuits, whey powder for infants, and some meat offals.

It has agreed to allow authorised institutions in other countries Jo certify that goods destined for Japan comply with the Japan Agricultural Standards. The long process of certifying such compliance in Japan has been cited as a non-tariff barrier to imports. Other concessions relate to the adoption of a different testing method for chemical residue on kiwifruit, and the expansion of Japan’s list of plant species that qualify for plant variety protection rights.