Director-General Roberto Azevêdo praised Japan’s leadership in the multilateral trading system during his visit to Tokyo on 22 May, where he discussed the WTO’s future work with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, high-level government officials and private sector representatives.

On the occasion of their meeting, Prime Minister Abe and Director-General Azevêdo stressed the importance of global trade to promote economic growth, prosperity and development in Japan and around the world, and discussed how Japan and the WTO could continue to work together to strengthen the multilateral trading system. Following their meeting, PM Abe and DG Azevêdo issued a joint statement, which is available here.

The Director-General said:

“Japan is a founding member of the WTO – and has always played a very active role in our work in a variety of ways. I am encouraged by Japan's continued leadership to work with the WTO and strengthen the multilateral trading system, so it can deliver more for jobs, growth and development in Japan, and around the globe. I look forward to working with Japan to achieve this and more.”

The Director-General also held meetings with Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yuji Yamamoto and State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yosuke Takagi.

As part of his visit, DG Azevêdo delivered a speech at JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization). His full remarks are available here.