On the other hand, a Japanese trade ministry official said another reason for the delayed talks was that Tokyo wanted greater access for its industrial products into South Korea. Talks between South Korea and Japan on a free trade agreement have been stalled for about a year.
"The FTA deal has not been progressing due to problems of opening agriculture sectors," said Finance Minister Han Duck-soo.
"What we hear is that Japan has offered to open about 50 percent of its (agricultural) markets while we need an opening of some 90 percent," Han told reporters in Seoul.
A Japanese trade official in Tokyo said by telephone that Tokyo wanted better access for industrial products.