Howard, Koizumi sign economic agreement | ABC (Australia)

[Ediacara]

Howard, Koizumi sign economic agreement
The Australian and Japanese Prime Ministers have signed a trade and economic agreement, pledging to pursue closer economic relations.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard met with his Japanese counterpart, Junichiro Koizumi, in Tokyo, the latest stop on his week-long trip to the Philippines, Japan and South Korea.

Japan is Australia's biggest export market.

Last year the two countries talked of pursuing a free trade agreement but the idea is unpopular with Japan's heavily protected farm lobby.

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