Two-day conference at Canberra has seen a good start for free trade agreement between Japan and Australia. The conference is considered important as it can support future dialogues.
Japan's high duties on imported farm products and subsidies may create an obstacle between proposed FTA.
Government of Japan is going through an intense pressure from local farmers for not to sign an FTA with Australia. Japanese farmers believe that low-priced agricultural products from Australia would adversely affect their business.
Even with such barriers, it is assumed that common benefits would be realized by both the countries.
Moreover, Australia also aims to expand its energy and resource exports to Japan. Both countries are looking forward to positive result from this negotiation.