Yokohama, Japan – United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk met today with Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akihiro Ohata during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum Leaders Meeting. Ambassador Kirk and Minister Ohata discussed an array of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.
Ambassador Kirk welcomed progress made during Japan's APEC host year, and he and Minister Ohata agreed to continue to closely work together in APEC to take practical and concrete steps to reduce barriers to trade, including during the U.S. host year in 2011. Ambassador Kirk discussed Asia-Pacific economic integration with Minister Ohata, and Ambassador Kirk welcomed Japan’s interest in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). As well, they noted an agreement between the United States and Japan to hold bilateral consultations related to Japan’s interest.
Furthermore, Ambassador Kirk and Minister Ohata agreed to strengthen cooperation overall to address regional and global issues of common interest, including to work closely on ensuring access to sufficient and reliable supplies of critical raw materials to support global growth. On the World Trade Organization Doha Round, they agreed to continue to seek an ambitious and balanced conclusion.
Ambassador Kirk and Minister Ohata also agreed to continue to cooperate closely on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement to bring the agreement into effect as soon as possible. Additionally, they underscored the importance of strengthening both Governments' engagement on trade and economic issues with the aim of supporting growth and jobs.
