EXCLUSIVE: Japan White Paper to Emphasize Free Trade amid Rising Protectionism

Tokyo, May 25 (Jiji Press)--An upcoming Japanese government white paper will stress the importance of free trade as an engine for economic growth and a contributor to the reduction of inequalities, at a time when protectionist moves are spreading around the world, Jiji Press learned Thursday. A draft outline of the White Paper on International Economy and Trade 2017 says that free trade is crucial for expanding the economic pie. The draft rejects the view that free trade could widen international inequalities, saying that inequalities are largely attributable to different levels of technological innovation. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is expected to submit the 2017 white paper at a cabinet meeting in late June. The global prospects for free trade have been darkened by Britain's vote to exit the European Union in June last year and the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump in January this year.Copyright JIJI PRESS LTD.