The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit began Saturday, November 12, 2011, in Honolulu, Hawaii. American President Obama and the First Lady hosted a dinner Saturday night in honor of the summit guests. Among the guests in attendance, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda came ready to begin talks with the US President regarding Japan entering the TPP framework negotiations; something many Japanese are openly protesting.
The TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) is only one of the many topics up for discussion at this APEC summit. Other topics include improving economic growth and employment throughout the Asia-Pacific region and benefits for imports of environment-related products such as solar panels. The ultimate goals include finding a balance between improving the economies of the involved nations and effectively fighting global warming.
The TPP framework is a topic of much debate, especially in Japan. Ultimately, the nations involved with the TPP framework will have free-trade agreements which some Japanese fear will have a negative impact on the quality of foods available in Japan. After much deliberation with his cabinet, Prime Minister Noda decided to begin the steps to bring Japan into the TPP framework process.
Outside the APEC summit, more than 300 people gathered to voice their objection to the summit and the TPP framework. At least 10 Japanese farmers were among the demonstrators, voicing concern that Prime Minister Noda may be jumping into TPP discussions too quickly.
Some of the demonstrators gathered as members of organized groups, including “Occupy APEC” – a group modeled after the “Occupy Wall Street” demonstration group. Some held signs while others beat drums. Many were protesting the steps toward free-trade agreements as a move that only benefits big corporations.
For more than an hour on Saturday, Prime Minister Noda discussed concerns and hopes for the TPP with US President Obama. Their discussions were separate from the APEC summit but the location offered a convenient setting for the pair to consult on the matter. During the discussion, Noda also informed the US President of continued efforts to find a workable solution to the Okinawa issues involving the US military base. Noda believes a plan will be ready to present to the Okinawa Prefectural government by the end of this year.
Nine countries involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership efforts, including the US and Australia, released a statement regarding the progress thus far and predicted next steps in the TPP framework process. As of Sunday, a basic framework appears to be in agreement, with fine-tuning underway.
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