SAPPORO — Discussions by Pacific Rim economies about creating a regionwide free-trade zone are expected to accelerate this year after APEC trade ministers reaffirmed Sunday, the last day of a two-day meeting, the need for such action.
But it remains to be seen if Japan can demonstrate the necessary leadership as chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, with analysts saying the Democratic Party of Japan's trade strategy is still unclear and the government is struggling to conclude free-trade agreements with key trade partners.
Further clouding the prospects is Yukio Hatoyama's abrupt resignation as prime minister last week after only about eight months in power.