Amari, Froman to Discuss TPP Next Week

Washington, Nov. 27 (Jiji Press)--Japanese economy minister Akira Amari and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman are likely to meet in Tokyo early next week to discuss a Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, informed sources told Jiji Press Wednesday. The Japanese and U.S. governments are in the final stages of arranging the meeting, the sources said. The move is designed to help advance TPP negotiations that 12 participating countries aim to conclude by the end of the year. The focus of the meeting between Amari, who is in charge of TPP affairs, and Froman will be on Japan's demand that it is allowed to keep tariffs on five sensitive farm product categories such as rice and sugar. The United States, which seeks greater trade liberalization from Japan, apparently wants to reach certain tariff agreements with Tokyo to add impetus for progress in the overall TPP negotiations. The United States hopes that the member countries will reach a political settlement in the TPP talks at a ministerial meeting set for Dec. 7-10 in Singapore. Amari and Froman are also expected to affirm the two countries' commitment to produce a result in TPP-related bilateral trade talks, informed sources said. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said Wednesday that Froman will visit Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia Sunday through Tuesday. Tokyo and Washington are also arranging a meeting between Japanese trade minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Froman, informed sources said. END