Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. The Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) bill has been passed by the United States House of Representatives, after having been separated from the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) bill. What impact does the Government think the passage of this bill will have on reaching a settlement in TPP negotiations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The TPA bill was passed separately by the United States House of Representatives. The passage of the TPA bill is essential in order for the countries currently participating in TPP negotiations to reach a settlement. This is something that is recognized by all countries, and Japan is also looking forward to the passage of the TPA bill. In any event, the Government will continue to carefully monitor developments in the United States Congress.

REPORTER: I have a related question. The TPA bill will also have to be passed by the United States Senate, and it is still not certain whether approval by the Senate will be granted. If the passage of the TPA bill is delayed, what impact do you think this will have on the TPP negotiation process?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Ministerial meetings have been held on numerous occasions to date and we are now finally starting to see the end-point of these discussions. As the passage of the TPA bill is essential for reaching a settlement on the TPP, the Government hopes that discussions on the TPA bill will be advanced in the United States and that the bill will be passed in the near future.

(Abridged)