U.S.-Japan Investment Initiative Investment Working Group Meeting

Representatives from the U.S. and Japanese Governments met today at the Department of State to discuss steps these governments can take to expand opportunities for foreign direct investment in Japan and the United States. Department of State Senior Official for APEC Ambassador Patricia M. Haslach and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Deputy Director General for Trade Policy Mr. Toshihisa Takata co-chaired the meeting of the Investment Working Group. The U.S. delegation included officials from the Departments of Treasury and Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Japan’s delegation also included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

The two sides discussed the impact of recent legislation on the investment climate in both countries and examined progress on sector-specific issues of concern. As part of the dialogue on investment issues, the Working Group also consulted with representatives of the U.S. and Japanese business communities about the overall investment climate in our countries and how the U.S. and Japanese Governments can advance and support investment opportunities. As the U.S. Co-Chair noted, “there is great power in engaging all stakeholders in this investment process.”