Statement by Yoshimitsu Kobayashi, Chairman of Keizai Doyukai
On U.S.-Japan Summit Meeting

April 19, 2018

Yoshimitsu Kobayashi
Chairman, Keizai Doyukai

PDF

1. Amid a series of issues such as North Korea and trade conflicts, it is important for the leaders of the United States and Japan to continue a close dialogue to pursue their common interests. As such, we appreciate the latest U.S.-Japan summit meeting that was held timely with significance, not least because two nations' alliance was affirmed before the U.S.-North Korea summit toward solutions for the North's denuclearization and Japanese nationals' abduction issues.
2. Two pending issues of significance in trade are Japan not excluded from the targets of the U.S.-introduced additional tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, and the move of the U.S. toward squeezing its trade imbalance and bilateral FTA negotiations. Against this backdrop, we welcome the launch of a new framework for trade and investment negotiations between Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization Motegi and U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer. We expect Japanese government's tenacious dialogues and negotiations based on a strong conviction that the promotion of free trade and economic partnership does lead to the true mutual benefits of both countries.

Japanese version