Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

• TPP

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question in connection with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Following the Senate Finance Committee’s passing of the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation of the United States, the House Committee on Ways and Means also passed the legislation. The enactment of this legislation is considered a prerequisite for concluding the TPP negotiations. Can you please share your comments?   

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: TPA legislation was submitted to the U.S. Congress. The Government of Japan regards the passing of the legislation by the committees in this context as a positive step towards the early conclusion of the TPP negotiations, and welcomes this development. On the other hand, Congress has still to deliberate on the matter. Therefore, Japan will continue to closely monitor the developments. We hope that it is enacted as quickly as possible.

(Abridged)