U.S. Chamber Welcomes Japan’s Interest in Trans-Pacific Partnership, Urges Tokyo to Meet Challenge of High-Standard Agreement

Donohue Calls on Japan to Pursue Strong, 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 Prime MinisterShinzō Abe’s announcement that Japan will seek entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations:

“A comprehensive, ambitious, and enforceable market-opening TPP has the potential to reignite economic growth and job creation in the U.S. and in other TPP nations. It would underscore the continuing strength of U.S. engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The Chamber welcomes Prime Minister Abe’s statement of Japan’s intent to seek entry.  As the world’s third largest economy and a vital trade partner of the United States, Japan’s participation on the right terms would be a game-changer for the negotiations. If Japan is ready to engage in the negotiations on the same terms as the other participants and ongoing consultations yield progress on outstanding concerns with the U.S., then its goal of becoming a TPP partner should be considered favorably.”

“It is vital that Prime Minister Abe’s positive announcement be followed by a strong and sustained commitment to market-opening reforms and a willingness to put all issues on the table in the negotiations, as the other TPP partners have done.  Participation will strengthen both the U.S. and Japanese economies by creating more opportunities for trade and investment.”

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.