Merkel calls for free trade agreement with Japan

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday called for the conclusion of free trade talks between the European Union and Japan, on her second and last day of her visit to the country.
Difference in emissions regulations for trucks, for example, create considerable bureaucracy that could be avoided by harmonizing standards, she said after touring the manufacturing facility of truck builder Mitsubishi Fuso in Kawasaki, near Tokyo.
The company is a joint venture 90-per-cent owned by Germany's Daimler AG and the rest by Japan's Mitsubishi Corporation.
"There are many commonalities, there are differences, but there are good reasons to intensify relations between Germany and Japan," Merkel said.
The European Union and Japan in February held the ninth round of talks on a free trade deal, with the next meeting planned in Tokyo for late April.
Earlier Tuesday the chancellor met with a group of women in senior political and business positions.
She said Monday that boosting the number of high-ranking women was important to have good role models. Germany is currently debating legislation to introduce a quota for women at certain levels in businesses.
The topic is set to be on the agenda at the next summit of G7 nations, in July in the German state of Bavaria, including better reconciliation of professional and home life, pay parity with men, and education opportunities.