The new administration of George W. Bush has placed low priority on trade policy toward Japan, making it crucial that Tokyo take the initiative in developing closer trans-Pacific economic ties rather than waiting for overtures from Washington, a U.S. think tank member told a symposium held just before the presidential inauguration.
It is widely believed that the Bush administration will focus on defense and security in the alliance with Japan, and many experts warn that economic relations could take the back seat.
"We stand at a critical juncture in the U.S.-Japan trade relationship. We should not miss the opportunity to pursue a new, positive vision for the alliance," Bruce Stokes, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Council on Foreign Relations who recently advocated a free-trade agreement between the two countries, said in the "Think Tankers' Reunion" symposium organized by Keizai Koho Center.