U.S., Japan agree on approach to Trans-Pacific Partnership talks???
At the same time, the statement leaves open a possible outcome to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, talks where the Japan could still protect its rice sector and the United States could keep duties on Japanese autos.
But Representative Sander Levin, the top Democrat on the powerful House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, called the statement "worrisome" and warned any agreement that includes Japan would not pass Congress unless it truly pries open that country's farm and automotive markets.
That stance also worries Ford Motor Co (F.N) and the United Auto Workers, which have pressured the Obama administration not to allow Japan into the talks until Tokyo makes reforms to open its market to more auto imports.
The current TPP members - United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei - have pledged to negotiate an agreement that eliminates tariffs in as many areas as possible.
To accomplish that goal they have agreed not to exclude any sectors or products from the negotiations.
A final decision to allow Japan into the negotiations would have to be made by all the current TPP members.
Recognizing that both countries have bilateral trade sensitivities, such as certain agricultural products for Japan and certain manufactured products for the United States, the two governments confirm that, as the final outcome will be determined during the negotiations, it is not required to make a prior commitment to unilaterally eliminate all tariffs upon joining the TPP negotiations," the statement said.そうは言ってもねー。
★ぼくはTPPに参加した方が良いと思いますよ。さて、どうなりますことやら。
A final decision to allow Japan into the negotiations would have to be made by all the current TPP members.