U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue: Strengthening Economic Cooperation between the Two Countries

Tokyo, Japan – On June 25 and 26, 2019, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held the second U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue in Tokyo, Japan. The two leaders discussed a range of economic issues, including trade, innovation, and security.

In the joint statement released at the end of the dialogue, the two countries reiterated their commitment to an open and rules-based global economy. They also announced a series of initiatives to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.

Among the announced initiatives are:

1. An agreement to promote innovation in the semiconductor sector, which is strategic for both countries.
2. An agreement to collaborate on research and development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
3. An agreement to strengthen cooperation in the field of economic security, including responding to distorted trade practices.

The leaders also emphasized the importance of economic cooperation between the United States and Japan in promoting growth and prosperity in Asia and around the world.

Secretary Pompeo stated, “Today’s dialogue has strengthened our economic partnership with Japan, a key ally for the United States.” Minister Motegi affirmed that “today’s dialogue was an important step in promoting economic cooperation between our two countries.”

The U.S.-Japan Economic Dialogue is a crucial part of both countries’ efforts to strengthen their economic partnership. The initiatives announced at the end of the dialogue provide a foundation for closer economic cooperation between the United States and Japan in the years to come.

Participants in the dialogue included:

United States:

• Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
• Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin
• Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross
• U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer
• Chief of Staff to the President Mick Mulvaney
• Representatives of U.S. companies, including Apple, Boeing, General Electric, and Toyota

Japan:

• Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi
• Finance Minister Taro Aso
• Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Hiroshige Seko
• Representatives of Japanese companies, including Yuki Oda from Mitsui & Co., Hiroshi Tsuji from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Kenta Kon from Toyota.