DAVOS, Switzerland (Kyodo) Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Saturday called for the launch of free-trade talks with the European Union this year in an address at one of the world's most influential economic gatherings in the Swiss resort of Davos.
Kan's speech at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum focused on two themes — the opening up of Japan and the importance of reinforcing social bonds.
Kan explained his belief that accelerating the drive to further open Japan's doors to the rest of the world will serve as a catalyst to overcome its long economic stagnation.