Japanese and European negotiators opened an extended round of talks on a free trade accord in the wake of a broad agreement reached earlier this month by 12 nations around the Pacific Ocean.
Talks began Monday and are scheduled to run roughly two weeks, through Nov. 6, double their usual length.
Negotiators will examine matters such as tariffs and the opening up of Japan's railway sector — as the European Union has demanded.
Tokyo and Brussels are hoping to strike a broad deal on what they call an economic partnership agreement by the end of this year.
The EU has taken issue with a provision in a government procurement agreement under the World Trade Organization that exempts Japan from holding an open bid for contracts relating to railway safety.
The EU negotiators have been calling for removal of the so-called operational safety clause, on the grounds that it is squeezing European companies out of business offered by Hokkaido Railway Co., Kyushu Railway Co. and some other rail services in major cities.
In a letter to UNIFE, the Association of the European Rail Industry, EU chief negotiator Mauro Petriccione expressed hope of making headway in the negotiations, saying there could be "an extension or a generalization of open tenders."
UNIFE Director General Philippe Citroen said the group believes there has been a change in the Japanese side as a result of "growing" pressure on it.
While keeping the safety clause intact, Japan may propose an arrangement whereby Japanese rail operators issue tender notices to European and other international suppliers, effectively paving the way for competitive bids.