OSAKA – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today met with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Nishimura Yasutoshi, on the margins of the G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting.
Ambassador Tai began by thanking the Government of Japan for its leadership during its G7 presidency in 2023. She particularly complimented Japan for its outreach to include additional countries during the ministerial sessions, as well as international economic and trade institutions.
Ambassador Tai and Minister Nishimura discussed the World Trade Organization and the upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference. Ambassador Tai reiterated the United States’ belief that all Members must be able use the WTO’s dispute settlement system to resolve disputes. She noted the constructive tone of the conversations on this topic from a diverse range of Members in Geneva.
Ambassador Tai and Minister Nishimura also reflected on the latest updates on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework negotiations, noting the progress made at the most recent negotiating round in Kuala Lumpur. Ambassador Tai thanked Minister Nishimura for his participation in the IPEF virtual ministerial in October 2023 and stated that she looks forward to welcoming him in San Francisco for APEC next month.
Finally, Ambassador Tai and Minister Nishimura discussed the importance of the U.S.-Japan Partnership on Trade as key forum to address bilateral trade issues. They both noted that they were looking forward to the next round of meetings under the Partnership on Trade in December 2023.
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