Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Akihito Ohata, called on visiting President  Ts.Elbegdorj and told him of  the Japanese Government’s decision to begin negotiations with Mongolia on an Agreement on Economic Partnership. “This is our Government”s gift to you, Mr. President,” said Ohata.        
       
Talks on such an agreement have been continuing since 2009. The President sees it as “equivalent to a free trade agreement” and hopes it will be ready to be signed by 2012, the year when the two countries will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their establishment of diplomatic relations. For the moment, the declaration by Japan is the highlight of Elbegdorj’s visit.

The President told Ohata of Mongolia’s plans to produce and export final pruducts and sought the use of Japanese environment-friendly equipment and technology in this.