It is remarkable that the three largest economies in East Asia have not moved sooner in negotiating an FTA, but have instead developed their own FTA networks by negotiating with countries in Southeast Asia or outside the region. I think it is important to note that this is not because of lack of interest. For example, for several years now surveys of Japanese corporations have shown that the most attractive country to embark on an FTA negotiation is China. This is understandable given the large flows of investment and trade between the two countries, and the fact that the Japanese business community believes that an FTA can further enhance their conditions of operation in China.
October 26, 2012, Mireya Solís,
Lifeweek.com.cn