Keidanren's policy proposal "Realizing Free, Open Trade and Investment under COVID-19 – Targeting an Inclusive and Resilient Framework"2020-08-01

Realizing Free, Open Trade and Investment under COVID-19----Targeting an Inclusive and Resilient Framework

Keidanren issued  "Realizing Free, Open Trade and Investment under COVID-19 – Targeting an Inclusive and Resilient Framework" policy proposal.


Outline ( PDF  )

Proposal( PDF )

I. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Future Policies
1. Current State of the World Economy

2. Trade and Investment Policies under COVID-19
(1) Recover and Maintain Free Cross-border Movement of Natural Persons, Goods, Capital, Services, etc.
(2) Addressing Digitalization
(3) Contribution to Solving Environmental Issues
(4) Inclusion of Developing Countries
(5) Maintaining a Multilateral, Free, Transparent, and Open Framework
(6) Complementary Bilateral/Regional Frameworks

II. Revitalizing the Global Economy through Facilitating Trade and Investment
1. Trade
(1) Recover and Maintain International Logistics Functions
(2) Avoid Excessive Export Restrictions and Achieve WTO Compatibility
(3) Elimination of Protectionist Tariffs
(4) Strengthening Discipline on Market Distorting Subsidies
(5) Disseminating IT Products

2. Foreign Direct Investment
(1) Investment Facilitation and Liberalization
(2) Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
(3) Appropriate Investment Control

3. Cross-border Data Flow
(1) Realization of the WTO Electronic Commerce Agreement
(2) Personal Data Protection

4. Trade and the Environment

III. Strengthening Multilateral Frameworks through WTO Reform
1. Flexible Rule-making

2. Review of Special and Differential Treatment for Developing Countries.

3. Immediate Restoration of Dispute Settlement Functions

IV. Conclusion