HANOVER, Germany (Reuters) — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Sunday (March 19) that the European Union and Japan should soon reach an economic deal, and stressed the importance of free trade to his country.
“We must conclude an economic partnership agreement between Japan and the EU at an early time,” Abe said at the opening of the CeBIT technology fair in Hanover, northern Germany.
He also highlighted the importance of innovation, saying that it allowed both Japan and Germany, despite not having a large territory or natural resources, to have shown impressive growth.
Speaking after Abe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was in favour of free trade and open markets.
