JEF-JETRO International Symposium on "FTAs as a Growth Strategy for Asia" was held on February 4-5, 2013, in Tokyo, Japan.

The number of FTAs concluded across the world stands at well over 220. As of the end of November 2012, Japan has concluded FTAs with 13 countries and regions, is in negotiations with six countries including Australia and Canada and has reached agreements to launch intergovernmental negotiations for the Japan-EU EPA/EIA and the Japan-China-Korea FTA. Witnessing signs of slowdown in the global economy, each country has been actively pursuing FTAs as a measure to stimulate its economy. Based on these circumstances, the Japan Economic Foundation (JEF) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) organized an open forum, inviting FTA negotiators and leading experts in FTAs from 11 major countries and regions throughout Asia and Oceania to intensively discuss the future outlook of FTAs in the Asia-Pacific Region. We are looking forward to your active participation.

Prof. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director of ERIA, was invited as a presenter in Session 1 on "Status of Bilateral and Regional FTAs in the Asia-Pacific Region " moderated byDr. Andrew ELEK, Research Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University and The inaugural chairman of APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM). Prof. Nishimura highlighted the importance of RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) from the Mid-term Review of AEC Blueprint which ERIA submitted to the 21st ASEAN Summit in November 2012. Also, he reported the good effect of RCEP on the development of the region from the ERIA's studies of FTA mapping.

Next day on February 4, 2012, Roundtable session was convened and the participants at the Symposium and experts in Asia-pacific region were there. Extensive discussions were held focusing on the role of regional economic integration that the Asia-Pacific region should aim.