Japan-Mongolia start EPA study

The Governments of Japan and Mongolia have agreed on starting joint public-private research on an economic partnership agreement (EPA).
The first meeting will be held over two days from June 24 (Thu) to June 25 (Fri) in Ulan-Bator, to be attended by experts from industry, government, and academia of both countries.

During the first meeting, the experts will exchange views on topics including bilateral economic relations and items to be included in the possible EPA.

Mongolia don't have any FTA with other countries, this is first FTA trial for them.
Mongolia's economy is centered on agriculture and mining. Mongolia has rich mineral resources, and copper, coal, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and gold account for a large part of industrial production. For Japan, these natural resource is very attractive trade interest. Among export amount from Mongolia, the mining industry consists of 80% approximately.