Jefta is a political and economic milestone

The Jefta free trade agreement between the EU and Japan, which will apply from February, is praised by Stefan Mair, member of the BDI executive board. Europe must stick to the course it has taken. Further trade and investment protection contracts should not fail.

„By far the largest free trade agreement of the European Union is an economic and political milestone in times of global economic uncertainty. It creates significant new business opportunities for our companies in Japan. Together, the two partners account for more than one third of global gross domestic product. Japan and Europe are thus countering the uncertain global economic outlook with exemplary market openness, high standards and reliable trading rules.

Europe must now keep its course and must not let other trade and investment treaties such as Singapore and Vietnam fail. The European Parliament should vote for the Singapore Agreements on 13 February. This would make the EU wide open the economic door to the growth region of Southeast Asia and show that it can effectively protect European foreign investment.“

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