WASHINGTON – Trade minister Hiroshi Kajiyama and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer exchanged views Monday on reforming the World Trade Organization, which has become largely dysfunctional due to a shortage of members in its appellate body.
Meeting in Washington, the Japanese and U.S. trade chiefs also confirmed that the two countries will strengthen their partnership in establishing international rules in the digital field, in line with a bilateral digital trade agreement that came into force Jan. 1.
Kajiyama and Lighthizer discussed ways to review WTO rules in order to deal with “unfair trade practices,” with China apparently in mind. Such practices include providing favorable treatment to specific industries through subsidies.
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