Japan’s Foreign Minister, Yoriko Kawaguchi, has hit out at a World Trade Organisation report that proposes the elimination of tariffs across a broad swathe of products - leather and footwear included - saying that they go too far. The plan is part of the Doha round of trade talks under the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Speaking earlier this week, Kawaguchi described the elimination of tariffs on leather, footwear and marine products as ‘unacceptable’. She said the report also appeared to ignore an earlier proposal made by the Japanese government for a more flexible approach, as opposed to the across-the-board cuts specified.
Prepared by Pierre-Louis Girard, Chairman of the WTO's nonfarm trade negotiations, the document also proposes a formula that would see the biggest tariffs being reduced by the biggest margins. Kawaguchi said while Japan’s continuing involvement in the consultation process was not in doubt, she hoped that the views of its government would be more closely reflected in the final draft.
