Chamber Applauds U.S. Announcement Welcoming Japan to Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

Donohue Calls on Japan to Expedite High-Standard Agreement, Demonstrate Sustained Commitment to Market-Opening Reforms

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement today regarding the announcement that the U.S. administration has concluded preliminary consultations with Japan and will welcome Tokyo’s participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations:

“The agreement that U.S. negotiators have reached with Japan on a robust package of actions to address longstanding trade barriers is a positive step forward. As a result, the Chamber welcomes Japan’s participation in the TPP negotiations pending agreement from remaining current TPP members.

“Japan is a vital U.S. trading partner and strategic ally, and its participation should greatly expand the TPP’s potential benefits. We are pleased that Japan has agreed to put all issues on the table in the negotiations and work hard to ensure its late entrance does not unduly delay the negotiations.

“The U.S. business community looks forward to Japan’s participation in TPP on the same terms as other participants, and to working with the U.S. and Japanese governments and business communities to improve our bilateral economic relationship through TPP.

“The TPP underscores the continuing strength of U.S. engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. Crafting a high-standard, comprehensive, and enforceable agreement that includes Japan will spur economic growth and job creation in the U.S. and other TPP nations.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.