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  • Acting Deputy USTR Wendy Cutler to visit Japan, initiate bilateral negotiations on autos, insurance, non-tarif measures

    • Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Wendy Cutler to Visit Japan, Initiate Bilateral Negotiations on Autos, Insurance, Non-Tariff Measures

    July 31, 2013

    Washington, D.C.– Acting Deputy United States Trade Representative Wendy Cutler will visit Tokyo August 7-9 to lead bilateral negotiations  with Japan on autos, insurance, and non-tariff measures being held in parallel to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks.  While in Tokyo, she also plans to meet with her Japanese counterparts to discuss the overall TPP negotiations.   

    “Japan’s readiness to address longstanding concerns regarding its automotive and insurance sectors, as well as a number of non-tariff measures, was a critical factor in the decision of the United States to support Japan’s entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” said Cutler.  “I look forward to initiating the parallel negotiations on these issues with my Japanese counterparts and to reaching meaningful agreements in a timely fashion.”  

    The United States announced on April 12, 2013 that it had concluded bilateral consultations with Japan regarding Japan’s interest in the TPP, and had concluded a robust package of agreements with Japan to  negotiate meaningful and concrete outcomes in the automotive and insurance sectors, as well as in other non-tariff measure issue areas.  This announcement also included agreement that these negotiations would commence when Japan joins the TPP negotiations, which occurred on July 23 during the 18th Round of TPP negotiations in Malaysia.  The bilateral parallel negotiations with Japan provide an important avenue for the United States to address long-standing concerns in that market, in addition to the ongoing market-opening negotiations among the TPP member countries.  

    Through the TPP, the United States and 11 other Asia-Pacific countries are seeking to negotiate an ambitious, next-generation, regional trade agreement.  The addition of Japan further distinguishes TPP as the most promising platform for a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific.  

    More information on the outcomes of U.S. consultations with Japan in 2013 can be found here and here.  

    For press inquiries regarding Wendy Cutler’s visit to Japan, please contact Kate Villarreal at kvillarreal@ustr.eop.gov.