Locke: U.S., Japan build trade relationship

Locke: U.S., Japan build trade relationship

Locke

   U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke told executives of the American Chamber in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday that the U.S. and Japanese governments are “doing a lot of things right” to build the countries’ mutual trade relationship.
   “Recently, we had a very successful vaccine policy exchange with Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare this year, which we hope will serve as the foundation for future cooperation on vaccine issues,” Locke said in a speech. “Another industry where we've seen great progress is in the air services sector.”
   The United States and Japan recently signed an open skies agreement that is expected to lead to additional flights to and from the United States, some from regional airports in Japan.
   “This expansion should facilitate both trade and tourism over the long term, leading to greater prosperity for both sides,” Locke said.
   Locke also praised the longstanding relationship between the U.S. Commerce Department and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. “The ministry deserves much credit for reducing barriers to entry by hiring new examiners and creating more transparent reimbursement procedures,” he said.
   Locke said the two countries have started the process to renew the U.S.-Japan Economic Framework to address trade issues of mutual concern.
   Commerce Department agencies are also collaborating with their counterparts in Japan on several programs, including:
   ' A fast-track patent examination procedure and intellectual property rights protection.
   ' A dialogue on standardization and conformity assessment.
   ' Collaboration on addressing food security, climate science and services, ecosystems, and fisheries to ensure economic stability between the two countries.
   “Japan and the United States have built up a good deal of mutual trust, and that's why I’m confident we can make keep making progress on issues of interest to our businesses,” Locke said. He specifically noted:
   ' Increasing American exports of food and automobiles to Japan.
   ' Improving market access for the U.S. services sector, including construction and financial services.
   ' Addressing the proprietary data issues faced by American chemical companies.
   “Like any complex trading relationship, the United States and Japan don’t always agree on everything,” he said. “But we've got a very solid foundation for the U.S. and Japan to build on — one that can serve as a model for our relations with other APEC nations.”