At the meeting of the Estonia-Japan Parliamentary Group of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) with the Minister of State of Japan Akira Amari, the discussion focused mainly on economic cooperation issues and the good relations between the two countries.

The Chairperson of the Estonia-Japan Parliamentary Group Anne Sulling noted at the meeting that the relations between Estonia and Japan have always been very good, and in recent years they have become even closer. She pointed out that the projects that started with the trade in emissions quotas have been followed by ever expanding cooperation in different spheres.

At the meeting, Sulling expressed the wish to continue with the negotiations on the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation.

Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy of Japan Akira Amari was interested in Estonian ICT solutions, and assured that Estonia’s experiences are vey important for Japan and Japan wishes to use them.

Japan has mentioned the Estonian ID-card applications, x-Road, e-government and other e-services as its main cooperation interests. Japan has also expressed interest in cyber security cooperation.

Free trade agreement between the European Union and Japan, how the persons who have learned the Japanese language can be a bridge between the two countries and cultural cooperation were also spoken about at the meeting.

Members of the Parliamentary Group Artur Talvik, Lauri Luik and Jüri Jaanson also participated in the meeting with the Japanese Minister of State.

Talvik hoped that the strengthening economic and trade relations would increase the interest of the Japanese in Estonia. Luik spoke of the Estonian start-up companies who could find a market for their products and services in Japan. As a former athlete, Jaanson was happy about the popularity of Estonian-born Baruto in Japan.

More information:

Anne Sulling
Chairperson of Estonia-Japan Parliamentary Group
Phone: +372 631 6468
[email protected]