Secretive trade talks aren't in the public interest

Both Japan and Australia need to inform the public as to what deal may or may not have been reached secretly during the current trade negotiations. These talks, if successful, would result in an economic partnership agreement (EPA) between the two countries.

A secretive trade negotiation between democracies that results in unpleasant surprises is poor diplomacy and bad regional politics.

On April 8, The Japan Times published a an April 7 Kyodo article titled "Japan, Australia achieve FTA breakthrough on farm products," describing a "breakthrough" in negotiations between Japan and Australia. This "breakthrough" cited Japanese government sources suggesting Japan would agree to maintain high tariffs on sensitive agricultural goods but permit an increase in the quantity of agricultural produce from Australia in those areas using a quota system. Rice would be excluded from the deal.