Japan could trump the US on TPP with revised Asia-Pacific trade accord
Tokyo's search for alternatives could see it take the lead in variety of tie-ups with, or without, Washington
Tokyo
A BIZARRE ritual, rather like formalising marriage with a deceased person, was enacted last Friday as Japan's Parliament ratified the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement - the same day that US President Donald Trump, who has struck what seems to be a lethal blow against the TPP, took office.
Japan's trade minister Hiroshige Seko raised a figurative glass to the spirit of free trade as the Upper House of Parliament stamped its approval on the TPP while minister-in-charge of negotiating the 12-nation pact Nobuteru Ishihara also pledged loyalty to the ideal of free trade.
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Putin plans to meet Xi in China days after his new term starts
Biden vetoes bid to repeal US labour board rule on contract, franchise workers
Economic leaders of South Korea, Japan, China say FX volatility is a risk
US automakers win extension on use of Chinese graphite in EV tax credits
US service sector contracts in April; price pressures up
Thaksin’s daughter calls central bank independence an ‘obstacle’