U.S., EU press Japan Post concerns to WTO

U.S., EU press Japan Post concerns to WTO    U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization Michael Punke and European Union Charg' d'Affaires John Clarke met in Geneva Friday with Japanese Ambassador Shinichi Kitajima to express 'longstanding and serious concerns' the United States and EU share regarding the lack of a level playing field between Japan Post and private sector companies in the express delivery sector.
   'We met jointly with Japan to underscore the deep level of concern that we both share regarding Japan's preferential treatment of Japan Post in light of Japan's national treatment commitments under the WTO,' Punke said.
   The United States and EU remain neutral on whether Japan Post should be privatized, believing this to be a decision for Japan to make, said a note from the office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
   But they expressed disappointment that postal reform legislation does not address U.S. and EU concerns about the preferential treatment that Japan Post receives compared to private sector companies, including less rigorous regulation of Japan Post operations.
   'We strongly urge Japan to address our shared level playing field concerns and to live up to its WTO obligations as it proceeds with its postal reform legislation,' Clarke said.
   The United States and the EU have for many years raised the issue of advantages conferred upon Japan Post's insurance, banking and express delivery operations as compared to private sector suppliers of the same services.
   'We are concerned that these advantages have tilted the playing field in favor of the Japan Post operations in a way that is harmful to private companies, including foreign companies,' the USTR said.