US, Japanese Officials Discuss Open Markets for Certain Plant Goods, GI Framework in Economic Dialogue
U.S. and Japanese officials on Oct. 16 made “some initial progress” on lifting restrictions on U.S. imports of Japanese persimmons and on Japanese imports of Idaho potatoes, among other trade issues addressed during the second round of the U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue in Washington, which started when Vice President Mike Pence visited Japan in April (see 1704140023). In a statement, the White House said Japan “committed to ensure meaningful transparency and fairness” for its geographical indications (GI) system, and in accordance with its domestic law and procedures, including those GIs that are protected through international agreements.
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Further, Japan “will streamline” noise and emissions testing procedures for U.S. automobile exports certified under Japan’s Preferential Handling Procedure, designed to certify foreign car imports more quickly and less expensively than standard certification procedures, the White House said. Additionally, U.S. and Japanese officials are working at the technical level to enable more effective enforcement activities against third-country unfair trade practices, and to identify new areas of common interest for high trade and investment standards, the White House said. Pence and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso co-chaired the meeting.