Japan Urges WTO Members to Find Solution Before Settlement Body Lapses

Japan’s minister of Economy, Trade and Industry urged World Trade Organization members to find a solution before the dispute settlement body ceases to function Dec. 10, according to an unofficial translation of a Dec. 3 press conference. The minister called the body “one of the pillars … [of] the multilateral free trade system.”

Japan is “actively discussing” proposals with WTO member countries to keep the body operating, the minister added. He said Japan hopes to find a solution “as soon as possible.” Geneva is growing frustrated with the approach to the WTO appellate body led by the U.S., which has blocked appointments over frustrations with the body (see 1911220062).

The minister also said Japanese officials planned to hold a “preparatory meeting with South Korean officials Dec. 4 in anticipation of an “export control policy dialogue” later this month. He said Japan will soon release an agenda and details for the dialogue. Japan and South Korea last held WTO consultations Nov. 19 (see 1911080022) about the two countries’ trade dispute (see 1908120036).