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US and Japanese officials are meeting in Tokyo for talks on various issues related to an American-led effort to forge the Trans-Pacific Partnership regional trade bloc.
Acting deputy US Trade Representative Wendy Cutler is heading the US side in talks that began today on autos, insurance and non-tariff barriers to trade sensitive issues that will require compromise if the 12 participating countries are to meet their year-end deadline for a deal.
In a statement released before the talks, Cutler welcomed Japan's willingness to discuss US concerns over its auto and insurance industries and said she hoped to reach "meaningful agreements in a timely fashion."
The two sides agreed earlier to begin negotiations on the issues as part of Japan's membership in formal TPP negotiations, which took effect July 23.
