This thesis examines the role of Keidanren, Japan’s largest business federation, in the formation of regional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in the Asia-Pacific region. In doing so, this thesis...Show moreThis thesis examines the role of Keidanren, Japan’s largest business federation, in the formation of regional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in the Asia-Pacific region. In doing so, this thesis specifically looks at the progress of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a recently concluded FTA. It determines whether and at which moments Keidanren influenced the Japanese government in making progress on the RCEP between 2013 and 2020. Following Keidanren’s resumption of making political donations in 2014, this research has found that on multiple occasions, the federation was able to influence the Japanese government during the RCEP negotiations. Therefore, Keidanren has regained its position as a powerful and influential business federation.Show less
The thesis analyses the process of Japanese trade liberalisation by examining a shift (on the surface) in the Japanese government’s attitude towards trade policies, and tries to explain why the Abe...Show moreThe thesis analyses the process of Japanese trade liberalisation by examining a shift (on the surface) in the Japanese government’s attitude towards trade policies, and tries to explain why the Abe government’s stance changed.Show less
