Japan urges easing import curbs

Japan has called on Egypt to ease restrictions on Japanese food and industrial imports since the March 11 earthquake, followed by a nuclear disaster in Fukushima, describing the Egyptian regulations as "very strict".

The remarks were uttered by Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba during his talks with Egypt's Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr on the sidelines of the United Nations general assembly's in New York, a few days ago.

The Egyptian restrictions are very strict in comparison with the procedures of other countries, like the US and South Korea, according to Gemba.

He pointed out that these restrictions are "obstacles" to the progress in economic relations between Egypt and Japan.

The top Japanese diplomat expressed his appreciation for the Egyptian revolution and said that he looked forward to a speedy transition to democracy, stressing that Japan will support Egypt in its reforms.

On March 31, the Egyptian Government imposed restrictions on exports of Japanese foods, plants, agricultural products, car tyres and medicines, while also ordering radiological tests on some other products.

Gemba asked the Egyptian Foreign Minister to lift such restrictions as soon as possible.

In response, Amr said that the concerned ministries are looking into this issue, expecting that there could be a decision in the near future.