9 June

Trade ministers from G20 countries are meeting on Sunday for the second day of talks in Tsukuba, north of Tokyo.

Japanese trade minister Hiroshige Seko, who is leading the talks with Foreign Minister Taro Kono, said the ministers are expected to send a strong message about attaining sound economic growth through promoting trade and investment. As the chair country, Japan is hoping to include a united message in a ministerial statement to promote free trade.

Attention is focused on whether strong wording, such as a pledge to fight against protectionism, will be included in the statement. Representatives from the United States and China are taking part in the meeting despite the trade dispute that their countries are embroiled in.

The US has been opposed to mentioning protectionism in statements at past conferences. The participants will also discuss how to reform the World Trade Organization in order to promote free trade.—NHK