Japan eyes Latin America for mega-FTA to secure minerals, food security

TOKYO -- Japan is gearing up to enhance its economic ties with Central and South America in 2024 by pursuing an Economic Partnership Agreement deal with the Southern Common Market known as Mercosur, a trade bloc that encompasses Brazil, Argentina and other countries. A potential Japan-Mercosur EPA would likely be Japan's last mega-FTA.

The move reflects Japan's strategy to secure resources and food security while countering China's rising sway in the region. Here are some of the challenges and opportunities of Japan's diplomacy with Central and South America.