A new economic partnership framework advocated by the United States, the IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) ministerial-level meeting began in Los Angeles.

With China expanding its influence in mind, the focus is on whether it can declare the start of negotiations on issues facing the global economy, such as the transition to decarbonization.

The IPEF is a framework in which 14 countries, including Japan, the United States, India, and Australia participate. I'm here.



Unlike past economic partnerships, IPEF does not target the elimination or reduction of tariffs, and its policy is to narrow down negotiations to four areas.



Of these, in the "clean economy," it was found that coordination is progressing in the direction of promoting the creation of a mechanism that encourages investment and financing for projects aimed at decarbonization.



In addition, in the "supply chain", we are preparing for a situation where the supply of important goods such as semiconductors is interrupted, and we are promoting the creation of a system to minimize the impact. The focus is on being able to declare.



The meeting will be held until the early hours of the 10th Japan time, and each country plans to compile ministerial statements for each area of ​​negotiation.

U.S.-Thai trade representative: 'We are heading in a very good direction'

At the welcoming breakfast, the US Trade Representative of Thailand, who leads the IPEF, said, "President Biden has made it clear that the economic future of the 21st century will be shaped in large part by the Indo-Pacific region and its periphery. America's commitment to working for the common good and fighting for the common good.America is pursuing a worker-centered trade policy to realize this vision, but no country can tackle this problem alone. We need a partnership. We are heading in a very good direction."



Commerce Secretary Lemond said, "At the ministerial meeting, we will be putting together a new ministerial statement, but it will be the first time the world will see the agreement document of 14 countries. It is a very big achievement."



On that basis, bearing in mind that the IPEF does not include the elimination of tariffs, an important element for economic partnerships, he said, "I understand the calls for visible and concrete economic benefits, but there are different needs and political systems." I would like to aim for a comprehensive consensus building, taking into account such things as.