Japan said talks would begin in early 2004 with Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines on eliminating import tariffs and other trade barriers agreements.

• Position: JAPAN - Brief Article

Japan said talks would begin in early 2004 with Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines on eliminating import tariffs and other trade barriers agreements that would help the world's second-biggest economy boost exports in Asia.

Japan wants bilateral trade pacts to ensure its companies can sell goods and services a competitve prices in overseas markets, particularly after World Trade Organisation talks collapsed in September, threatening to stymie a wider global trade pact. Japan may need to...