BRAZIL: Lula And Kishida Discuss Japan-Mercosur Trade Deal

Wires reporting that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have discussed ongoing talks of a Japan-Mercosur trade deal, in a call today.

• Brazilian Ambassador to Japan, Octavio Cortes, told Nikkei on December 27: "It's time for the Japanese authorities to show to us they are willing to start this dialogue."
• The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) said in a statement on November 29, 2023: "With the EU, South Korea, and other countries already advancing their EPA negotiations with Mercosur, we specifically call on the Japanese government and the ruling party to take prompt action to ensure that Japan does not fall behind on trade and investment."
• Keidanren continued: "From next month, Brazil will hold the G20 presidency and, next year, Peru will chair the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Many Japanese political leaders will visit Latin America in the lead-up to the autumn summit next year. Japan must not miss this opportunity for the early realization of the Japan-Mercosur EPA."
• Nikkei notes: "Mercosur is a tariff union established by Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Bolivia's accession has been officially decided. Member of the union are barred from negotiating with nonmember countries independently."