India and Japan reviewed the progress of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement during the seventh Joint Committee Meeting in Tokyo to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

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•  The seventh Joint Committee Meeting under the India–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was held in Tokyo on March two to review progress and enhance economic cooperation.
•  The meeting was co chaired by India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Japan’s Senior Deputy Minister from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
•  Discussions focused on effective implementation of the agreement and exploring new opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment between India and Japan.
•  On the sidelines of the meeting, talks were also held with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry regarding trade cooperation and improving the business environment.
•  Both sides discussed preparations for the upcoming ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization and the need for stronger global trade cooperation.
•  India highlighted the complementary strengths of both economies including Japan’s advanced technology and capital and India’s skilled workforce and expanding domestic market.
•  The Indian side emphasized the need to fully utilize provisions of the agreement, particularly those facilitating movement of professionals between both countries.
•  Indian exports have strong growth potential in Japan especially in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and services.