Decision

1 December 2022: UK-Japan CEPA Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development – joint minutes

Updated 3 May 2024

Joint Minutes of the second meeting of the Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Japan

London and Tokyo (via videoconference), 1 December 2022

The second meeting of the Committee on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (hereinafter referred to as “Agreement”) took place on the 1 December 2022 via videoconference.

Japanese participants from MOFA, METI, MOE, MAFF and MHLW and UK participants from DIT and BEIS had a fruitful exchange of views on matters related to implementation of the TSD Chapter.

1. Opening remarks and adoption of the Agenda and the Rules of Procedure

The enclosed meeting agenda was adopted (at Annex A).

Both sides reaffirmed their decision to apply the Rules of Procedure (RoP) for the Joint Committee, adopted by the Joint Committee in February 2022, mutatis mutandis.

2. Discussion on operation of the Joint Dialogue with Civil Society

The Japanese side explained Japan’s Domestic Advisory Groups, and both sides confirmed that the Joint Dialogue with Civil Society would be conducted based on the following understanding:

• the Joint Dialogue will be held online in principle, however, both sides may mutually decide to hold it in part, or entirely, in person. The duration of dialogue will be approximately 2 to 3 hours in total
• the co-chairs of the TSD Committee will report their discussions at the beginning of the dialogue and civil society organisations will give presentations and/or offer views based on the arranged agenda items, which will be followed by a question-and-answer session. The host side will provide a moderator to facilitate dialogue and he/she will act impartially
• the co-chairs of the TSD Committee will draft an agenda in consultation with the members of their respective civil society organisations as necessary
• both sides will ensure the participation of relevant stakeholders (in economic, environmental and social/labour fields) in a balanced manner, as required by the Agreement, taking gender balance and representation into account
• the hosting party will provide simultaneous interpretation
• with regard to the frequency of the dialogue, it will be held once every 2 years unless otherwise mutually decided

Both sides acknowledged the importance of this dialogue and confirmed their intention to work towards holding it early in 2023.

3. Discussion regarding the list for the TSD Panel of Experts and Rules of Procedure

The Committee established the list of individuals who are willing and able to serve as experts for the Panel, pursuant to article 16.18 subparagraph 4(d) (at Annex B).

Both sides also confirmed that they would continue discussion on the Rules of Procedure for the TSD Panel of Experts via correspondence.

4. Dedicated session on trade and environment

Both sides provided updates on their implementation of the environment and climate provisions of the TSD Chapter of the Agreement. Japan outlined their work on the Paris Agreement Article 6 Implementation Partnership and the City-to-City Collaboration Projects. In relation to this, Japan have been promoting high-integrity carbon markets to mobilise private financing and supporting the decarbonisation of urban cities in developing countries. Japan also outlined their biodiversity and plastic pollution measures.

The UK presented their due diligence legislation which seeks to tackle illegal deforestation in UK supply chains. This will make it illegal for larger businesses operating in the UK to use key forest risk commodities produced on land illegally occupied or used.

Regarding the sustainable use of fisheries’ resources, the UK also provided updates on work to promote sustainable fisheries, including their launch of the Illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Action Alliance (IUU-AA) alongside Canada and the United States and indicated that they would welcome Japan joining the IUU-AA. The UK welcomed Japan’s new Basic Plan for Fisheries and looked forward to cooperating with Japan in this area.

In addition, the UK presented their Net Zero Strategy (updated in 2022) to support the UK in meeting their emission targets and transition to net zero.

The UK reflected on the experience of their G7 presidency in 2021 and expressed their wish to continue discussions on climate change and energy security under Japan’s G7 Presidency.

Japan shared their environmental priorities under their G7 presidency, including: climate change, nature-positive economy, circular economy and plastic pollution.

Both sides confirmed they would continue cooperating with G7 countries in the fields of environment and climate change.

The UK made a presentation on their domestic offshore wind power sector, policies and experience, and stated that the UK would like to explore cooperation with Japan in this field. In response, Japan noted existing cooperation between METI and BEIS and outlined that they wished to avoid any possible duplication of efforts from the perspective of administrative costs/burdens and efficiency. The UK confirmed that any cooperation in this area should avoid duplication but rather build on and further existing bilateral work. This could also present an opportunity to mutually share knowledge. Japan confirmed that they would consider the UK’s proposal in writing when received.

5. Dedicated session on trade and labour

As part of the dedicated session on Trade and Labour, both sides provided an update on their respective ILO ratifications. Japan provided an update on the ratification of ILO Convention 105, added to their existing framework. Japan expressed that the 2014 Protocol 29 to the Forced Labour Convention was still in the stage of consideration, and Japan was examining the consistency between the protocol and their domestic legislation. The UK also provided information on the UK’s recent ratification of ILO Convention 190 and national legislation, as strong frameworks for preventing violence and harassment in the workplace.

Both sides exchanged information on the recent developments affecting trade and labour. Japan gave a presentation on technical cooperation through the ILO (sustainable supply chains development project). Japan also shared presentations on recent domestic labour policies, including investment in human capital, reskilling and policies related to employment of persons with disabilities. In response, the UK showed their interest in hearing more about Japan’s work with the ILO on the sustainable supply chains development project in a future committee meeting. The UK presented on barriers to participation within the UK labour market, including barriers for older workers and barriers against female labour market participation, and the UK’s action to tackle these barriers to date. This included several Private Members’ Bills that have been introduced, and backed by the UK government on the matter of employment rights. The UK also shared their thoughts on potential cooperation on trade and labour with Japan and Japan confirmed that they would share initial thoughts on the UK’s interests and any additional areas in future engagements.

The UK also expressed interest in understanding more about what Japan plans to cover under the topic of sustainable supply chain resilience and economic security in the G7 trade track. The UK expressed willingness to continue discussions on sustainable supply chains with Japan.

Japan gave a presentation on recent developments on “Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains” which was published in September 2022. Both sides confirmed that they would continue discussions on their respective work in this area.

6. Future meetings and closing remarks

Japan expressed gratitude to the UK for their offer to host the next TSD Committee meeting.

Annex A: agenda

Issues on the agenda:

1. Opening remarks and adoption of the Agenda and the Rules of Procedure.
2. Discussion on operation of the Joint Dialogue with Civil Society.
3. Discussion regarding the list for the TSD Panel of Experts and Rules of Procedure.
4. Dedicated session on Trade and Environment.
5. Dedicated session on Trade and Labour.
6. Future meetings and closing remarks.

Annex B: list of experts

Referred to in subparagraph 4(d) of Article 16.18 of the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Sub-list for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

1. Simon Olleson

2. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger

3. Monica Feria-Tinta

4. Paul van der Heijden

Sub-list for Japan

1. Ago Shin-ichi

2. Taira Satoru

3. Yagi Nobuyuki

4. Ito Kazuyori

Sub-list of individuals who are not nationals of either Party and who shall act as the chairperson of the panel

1. Jennifer A. Hillman (United States)

2. William Davey (United States)

3. David Unterhalter (South Africa)

4. Zachary Douglas (Australia)