Thu Jun 25, 2015, 03:43 PM
aspirant (3,533 posts)
Could anyone here keep us updated
on the responses, influences and actions of the TPP in Asia?
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6 replies, 1670 views
Always highlight: 10 newest replies | Replies posted after I mark a forum
Replies to this discussion thread
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Author | Time | Post |
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aspirant | Jun 2015 | OP |
Art_from_Ark | Jun 2015 | #1 | |
aspirant | Jun 2015 | #2 | |
Art_from_Ark | Jun 2015 | #3 | |
aspirant | Jun 2015 | #4 | |
Art_from_Ark | Jun 2015 | #5 | |
aspirant | Jun 2015 | #6 |
Response to aspirant (Original post)
Thu Jun 25, 2015, 06:17 PM
Art_from_Ark (27,247 posts)
1. I am in Japan
and I posted an OP recently about a TPP event I attended last month:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026753877 |
Response to Art_from_Ark (Reply #1)
Thu Jun 25, 2015, 10:44 PM
aspirant (3,533 posts)
2. Farming and potential medical concerns
Response to aspirant (Reply #2)
Thu Jun 25, 2015, 11:21 PM
Art_from_Ark (27,247 posts)
3. There are other concerns as well
For example, infringements on Internet freedom; restrictions on food labeling, such as whether or not it contains GMO; being sued by foreign corporations for having "too high" environmental standards that "impede" their ability to operate in Japan; pressure to privatize public utilities, with no chance to make them public again; and eliminating monetary incentives for operating fuel-efficient vehicles, among other things.
Regarding the last concern, Japan has a system for providing consumers with an incentive to buy fuel-efficient cars with an engine displacement of 660cc or less, what are known as "kei-jidousha" or sometimes as "yellow number cars". People with such cars get big breaks on annual car taxes (for example, 7,000 yen for a yellow "number" (license plate) versus 30,000 yen+ for a white number), highway tolls (usually 10% discount), vehicle inspections, insurance, and perhaps other breaks as well. Since few foreign car makers can meet the Japanese standards for "yellow numbers", there are concerns that this system could be scrapped because it would "impede free trade". I was told that South Korea tried to introduce a similar system but apparently had to back down because of KFTA. |
Response to Art_from_Ark (Reply #3)
Fri Jun 26, 2015, 01:22 AM
aspirant (3,533 posts)
4. Does the Japanese government vote on TPP like us?
Have they already voted or are the demonstrations having any effect?
Are the people resigned to the assumed fact it's a done deal? |
Response to aspirant (Reply #4)
Mon Jun 29, 2015, 04:41 AM
Art_from_Ark (27,247 posts)
5. Yes, the Japanese Parliament is supposed to vote on this
Last edited Mon Jun 29, 2015, 07:46 AM - Edit history (1) Here is the conundrum: While the conservative ruling party is officially pushing this, a large part of their support comes from rural areas, which are on the front lines of the TPP opposition. Thus, the parliamentary vote is being delayed. I don't think the average ruling party politician wants to upset constituencies like these:
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Response to Art_from_Ark (Reply #5)
Mon Jun 29, 2015, 07:28 PM
aspirant (3,533 posts)
6. If Japan votes NO
does the TPP die or goes forward with the rest of the countries?
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