WASHINGTON, D.C. — David Gossack, Vice President of Asia, U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement today following the conclusion of the first round of trade talks between the United States and Japan.
“The U.S. relationship with Japan is one of our most important. The business community is pleased that negotiators met this week for the first round of talks on a future U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement. We hope the initial framework that they are developing will advance the ability of American businesses of every size and sector to better compete in Japan.
“Our two economies are comprised of some of the world’s most sophisticated and technologically-advanced companies—where research, data, and services underpin everything from manufacturing to general operations across global markets. As a result, Japan and the U.S. are like-minded on many key principles and policies that serve as the foundation of international trade rules. As negotiators approach the next round of meetings, the Chamber urges both countries to be ambitious and aim high to establish a comprehensive, forward-looking trade agreement that will become the platinum-standard for the world.
“The EU has already concluded a comprehensive agreement with Japan, one that encompasses many disciplines in addition to providing tariff reductions for its exports. Japan also has a broad agreement with the CPTPP member countries. We hope that any U.S.-Japan trade agreement will provide similar advantages to American exporters and investors to compete fairly across the board and allow job creators in both countries to flourish.
“The United States and Japan enjoy the closest of strategic alliances. We should strive for a similar relationship in our economic partnership.”
