WASHGINTON — March 15, 2013 — Today, Acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis commented
on the announcement made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan regarding the Trans-Pacific
Partnership (TPP):
“The United States welcomes Prime Minister Abe’s important announcement formally expressing
Japan’s interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations,” said Ambassador Marantis.
“Since early last year, the United States has been engaged with Japan in bilateral TPP
consultations on issues of concern with respect to the automotive and insurance sectors and other
non-tariff measures, and also conducting work regarding meeting TPP’s high standards.
“While we continue to make progress in these consultations, important work remains to be
done. We look forward to continuing these consultations with Japan as the 11 TPP countries consider
Japan’s candidacy for this vital initiative in the Asia-Pacific region. We will continue to consult
with Congress and stakeholders as we proceed.”
Posted on April 16, 2013
Source: USTR
