The European Union (EU) and Japan announced the implementation of the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on February 1, 2019. This agreement is one of the largest and most comprehensive trade agreements in the world, covering approximately one-third of the world`s GDP and half of the world`s population.
The agreement is expected to increase economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses in both regions. It will eliminate tariffs on many goods and services, make it easier for companies to export and import products, and provide for improved protection of intellectual property rights. In addition, the EU-Japan FTA promotes sustainable development, including commitments to combat climate change and protect the environment.
The EU-Japan FTA is also aligned with the Paris Agreement, an international agreement adopted by nearly 200 countries in 2015. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The EU and Japan are both committed to the Paris Agreement and have taken steps to mitigate climate change. The EU has set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency. Japan has set similar targets and has also invested in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.
The EU-Japan FTA includes provisions to support the Paris Agreement and address climate change. It includes a commitment to promote trade and investment in goods and services that contribute to sustainable development, including those that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement also includes provisions to promote the development and deployment of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon technologies.
The EU-Japan FTA shows that trade agreements and action on climate change can go hand in hand. By promoting sustainable development, we can create new opportunities for businesses, protect the environment, and combat climate change. As the world continues to face the challenges of climate change, trade agreements like the EU-Japan FTA will play an important role in supporting a sustainable future.