Japan ‘Cautious’ About Concessions Ahead of Washington TPP Talks
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Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said the government is “cautious” ahead of talks today on joining an Asia-Pacific trade bloc that will include demands to eliminate tariffs on protected goods.
Japanese officials will meet with their American counterparts in Washington to discuss participation in the U.S.- led Trans-Pacific Partnership. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is pushing to join the free trade group over the opposition of some lawmakers concerned that slashing tariffs such as Japan’s 778 percent duty on rice will hurt farmers.