Business Jan 1, 2019
The Japan Times newsroom selected the following business news stories as the most important of 2018.
NEWSWORTHY
Business | FOCUS Dec 30, 2018
CPTPP now a reality, raises bar for Japan's multiparty approach
by Noriyuki Suzuki
The creation by 11 Pacific Rim countries of a massive free trade zone will give Japan a crucial role to play as a stabilizing force tasked with enhancing the appeal of multiparty free trade agreements.
Business Dec 30, 2018
At long last, 11-member Pacific trade deal takes effect
by Noriyuki Suzuki
The 11-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact entered into force on Sunday, creating a free trade area covering more than a tenth of the global economy. The trade deal, signed in March, will cut tariffs on agriculture and industrial products, ease ...
National Dec 10, 2018
Japan to extend copyright period on works including novels and paintings to 70 years on Dec. 30
The copyright period on works such as novels and paintings in Japan is set to be extended to 70 years after the authors' deaths, from the current 50 years, effective Dec. 30 when a revised copyright law goes into force. The copyright law was revised ...
National / Politics Dec 2, 2018
Japan welcomes Britain's possible entry into TPP, Abe tells May
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told British Prime Minister Theresa May on Saturday that he welcomes Britain's expression of interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, an 11-nation free trade agreement that will enter into force on Dec. 30. In a meeting ...
Business Nov 18, 2018
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday agreed with his Canadian and Chilean counterparts to closely cooperate in promoting free trade amid the rise of protectionism. In a meeting in the Papua New Guinean capital of Port Moresby, Abe and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed ...
Business Nov 16, 2018
TPP-11 chief negotiators to meet in Tokyo next week, Japanese minister says
Chief negotiators from the 11 members of a trans-Pacific free trade pact will hold a two-day meeting in Tokyo from Tuesday to discuss policies after the accord takes effect on Dec. 30, said Toshimitsu Motegi, the minister in charge of the framework. "We'd like to ...
Business Nov 12, 2018
RCEP ministers begin talks, seek accord on key parts of giant free trade deal
Ministers from 16 Asia-Pacific countries, including Japan, China and India, began talks Monday in Singapore, in a race to agree on key parts of a free trade deal before the end of the year. At stake is the creation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership ...
Business / Economy | FOCUS Oct 31, 2018
Japan looks to use Pacific trade pact as shield from tough U.S. demands
Even without the participation of the world’s largest economy, the deal has been described as a game-changer.
Business Oct 31, 2018
The progression of a sweeping 11-member free trade agreement was met with concern among the nation's farmers Wednesday, with many expressing their anxiety over a possible influx of imports stemming from the agreement that's set to enter into force Dec. 30. Australia earlier in the ...
Business Oct 31, 2018
In big win for Japan, CPTPP to start at year's end after Australia ratifies Pacific trade pact
A trade deal among 11 Pacific nations, once envisioned as a check on China's clout but abandoned by U.S. President Donald Trump, will kick in on Dec. 30, Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Wednesday. Australia became the sixth country to ratify the Japan-led Comprehensive and ...
Business / Economy Oct 28, 2018
Canada said to be fifth country to ratify Japan-led CPTPP trade deal, with Australia close behind
A sprawling Pacific trade deal led by Japan is on the verge of kicking in provisionally after Canada announces its intention to be the fifth country to sign off on the pact.