The concept of free trade
agreements (FTAs) has long
remained foreign to Asia,
where the establishment of
an “Asian community”
sounds like a pipe dream. But
if FTAs take root in Asia, that
dream could quickly become
reality.
FTAs not only eliminate
tariffs between trade partners,
but also make it mucheasier for countries to process
financial transactions
across national borders and
facilitate immigration control.
Japan’s neighbors South
Korea and China are moving
to introduce FTAs, and it is
time for Japan to make use of
this valuable tool to reap the
rewards of its “opening up”to Asia.
Weather 
Herald Tribune/Asahi
FTAs critical step toward “Asian Community”
