Kan Stresses Importance of Rule-Based Resources Trade

Brussels, Oct. 4 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan
stressed here Monday the importance of observing international trade rules
on natural resources and other goods.
In a speech at a summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting, or ASEM, forum,
Kan said that in order to ensure economic growth, it has become even more
important for countries to comply with common rules in the international
community including those on transactions in natural resources and many
other goods.
Japan saw its imports of rare earth metals from China halted after
the two nations' row on a maritime incident near the disputed islands,
called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, in the East China Sea
escalated.
Kan said that Japan, as chair of a summit of the Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation forum in November, will take the initiative in bringing
about concrete outcomes for regional economic integration and a regional
growth strategy.
On economic cooperation among ASEM members, Kan said Tokyo will
strive further to reduce its trade barriers so that it can make progress in
efforts to conclude economic partnership agreements with the European Union
and other economies.
As common issues for Asia and Europe, the prime minister cited
climate change, nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, support for
war-torn Afghanistan, Iran's nuclear programs and the nuclear and missile
issue in North Korea.