The Japanese government has approved its participation in the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) to address the prolonged inactivity of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body. The MPIA, which has 26 members including China, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, Ukraine, Pakistan, and Singapore, was created after the Appellate Body failed to function for over three years. Japan’s cabinet decided to join MPIA as an interim measure until the dispute settlement function is restored. This came after two of Japan’s cases filed with the WTO have been left in limbo due to stalled proceedings. The move by Japan was welcomed by the European Commission, which regards global trade regulations as essential to prevent fragmentation of the global economy. South Korea, on the other hand, has suspended its WTO dispute against Japan as the two countries discuss export curbs on high-tech materials.
Japan to participate in non-traditional WTO resolution system
