TOKYO: The Japanese government has accelerated preparations for the upcoming Japan-U.S. economic dialogue on April 18, hoping to prioritize cooperation in infrastructure development and avoid debate on automotive trade or any other issues that could displease U.S. President Donald J. Trump.
Some observers believe the first such meeting with the Trump administration will not go into depth because the lineup of negotiators from the United States side is not yet confirmed.
Even so, concerns still remain about U.S. demands for Japan to expand imports, and the Japanese government remains cautious about U.S. strategy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso will head the Japanese side in the meeting, backed by senior officials from four ministries — the Finance Ministry, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, the Foreign Ministry and the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry.
The U.S. side is to be led by Vice President Mike Pence who will visit Japan for the talks. It is still uncertain who will accompany Pence. It is understood the United States may assign Kenneth Juster, deputy assistant to the president for international economic affairs. Aso, Pence and each of their executive assistants are likely to meet at the first meeting.
Juster appears to be close to Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, whose influence in the Trump administration is rising. Juster served as the undersecretary of commerce from 2001 to 2005. Having also served as director of an investment firm, he is knowledgeable about the global economy and financial trading. Regardless of whether he attends the meeting, Juster is likely to be a key person during the economic dialogues.
Japan intends to reach accords on infrastructure development projects for U.S. railway networks and ports, as well as energy development, in order to fend off complaints from the Trump administration over the U.S. trade deficit with Japan.
Since Japan does not impose tariffs on imported cars, few measures are left for the country to open its markets to the United States. European cars are enjoying strong sales under the same conditions as U.S. automobiles. Sluggish U.S. auto sales in Japan are said to be due to the limited number of models that meet the needs of the Japanese market.
