Japan, US hold TPP-related bilateral talks

TOKYO - Japan and the United States kicked off a three-day discussion on autos and nontariff barriers in Tokyo on Wednesday after Japan became the 12th member of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade talks on July 23.

During the negotiation, auto safety standards, insurance and intellectual property among other topics will be discussed, according to local media.

Wendy Culter, head of the US delegation and acting deputy US trade representative, told officials at the negotiation table: "we have a lot of work to do and we need to do it quickly."

Meanwhile, Japanese delegate Takeo Mori, ambassador for economic diplomacy, said Japan looked forward to having fruitful discussions.

In a related move, the US trade representative announced on Tuesday its ambassador Michael Froman will visit Japan on August 19, aiming to reach a consensus with Japanese Cabinet members on the key sectors in the TPP negotiations.