‘돈로주의’ 미국 빈자리 노리는 일본…환태평양 자유무역 ‘구심점’ 차지하나

The Japanese government is considering establishing a permanent office for the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in Japan. This move is seen as Japan taking a leading role in the Trans-Pacific Economic Partnership, aiming to serve as the heart of a free trade regime in the Indo-Pacific region. As the United States distances itself from the multilateral trade system, the CPTPP is expected to fill this void.

Japan plans to present this proposal during a meeting of 12 member countries on November 12. The primary goal is to expedite the review process and expand the scope of the agreement. Currently, there is no permanent office; the rotating presidency handles the office's functions annually. The agreement, originally involving 12 countries including the United States, Australia, and Japan, was concluded under the Obama administration but excluded the United States when Donald Trump took office in 2017.

Since then, Japan has been leading the initiative. Eleven countries are already members of the agreement, and it is set to include 12 countries by 2024 with the addition of the United Kingdom. The combined GDP of the member countries accounts for 14% of the global economy. Negotiations are ongoing for Costa Rica, Uruguay, and the UAE, while China has submitted an application but has not entered the negotiation process.

To join, new members need the agreement of all existing members. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has shown strong support for expanding the agreement, stating this during a speech in Ho Chi Minh City in May. The Japanese government has allocated budget for the office's establishment in next year's budget, and Kishida has expressed active support.

South Korea has also expressed interest in joining the agreement, with discussions held during the Korea-Japan State Consultative Meeting in January. Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon mentioned the issue of reopening Japanese seafood imports during an interview with Japanese media, stating that obtaining Japan's cooperation is crucial for joining the agreement, including this matter.