Singapore warmly welcomes Japan's decision to participate in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. We have consistently and strongly supported Japan’s early participation in the TPP. Japan has long played a crucial role in the development of the Asia-Pacific and thus in maintaining its stability. Japan’s participation will give the TPP even greater strategic significance.
As the third largest economy in the world, Japan will be an invaluable partner in the development of a high quality agreement which will spur economic growth across the Asia-Pacific. Japan's membership in the TPP will also encourage Japan’s domestic growth and help its overall economic revitalisation. The conclusion of the TPP, as well as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), will bring us closer to the establishment of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).
Singapore looks forward to Japan joining the TPP negotiations soon.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY
SINGAPORE
15 MARCH 2013