USTR Announces Conclusion of Expert-Level TPP Meetings with Japan

USTR announced that the U.S. and Japan concluded two days of consultations, ending February 22, 2012, related to Japan’s interest in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. This meeting was a follow-up session to the senior-level consultation with Japan held on February 7, 2012.

According to USTR, the meeting was an opportunity for the U.S. to continue the assessment of Japan’s readiness to meet the high TPP standard. Experts from both governments exchanged information on topics across a range of TPP chapter and issue areas. Japanese officials also provided further information about Japan's existing laws and regulations, as well as on relevant provisions in its existing free trade agreements with other trading partners. Both Governments agreed to continue the consultative process, with additional meetings to be arranged at a later date.

(In November 2011, Japan announced its intention to begin consultations with TPP countries toward joining the TPP negotiations. Since that time, USTR has sought public comments on, among other things, overall costs and benefits, as well as barriers to be addressed in the negotiations. See ITT’s Online Archives 11120625 for summary of USTR’s request for comments. See also ITT’s Online Archives 12020813 for summary of senior level meeting held on February 7, 2012 to discuss, among other topics, stakeholder issues raised in response to USTR’s request for comments.)

See USTR press release (dated 02/22/12) here.