NBR just released a new Q&A with Aurelia George Mulgan (University of New South Wales) that explores Japan's agricultural reform and the impact on trade agreements.
A link to the full interview and a summary are below.

"Japanese Agricultural Reform and the Trans-Pacific Partnership"

Q&A with Aurelia George Mulgan, University of New South Wales

Link: http://m.nbr.org/MwamkB

SUMMARY
Japan's agricultural sector has become a major point of contention as the nation repositions its trade strategy toward greater liberalization through economic partnership agreements. While the Japanese government has attempted to instill agricultural reforms in order to prepare this sector for new or potential international trade agreements, policymakers have yet to create any sustainable or effective agricultural trade policies.

To analyze the long-term viability of Japan's agricultural sector and what role it may play in upcoming trade agreements, NBR asked Aurelia George Mulgan (University of New South Wales) to assess Japan's agricultural politics and reflect on recent trends toward greater trade liberalization.

Read the full interview for insights on these
questions:

- How have Japan's agricultural policies changed over the past few years?

- How have agricultural exemptions affected Japan's participation in economic partnership agreements?

- Can liberalization of Japan's agricultural sector sharpen its competitive edge in global markets?

Link: http://m.nbr.org/MwamkB

Tracy Timmons-Gray
The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) Seattle, WA

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