The Alliance for Trade Enforcement Commends Congress’ Progress Toward Confirming a New U.S. Ambassador to Japan

The Alliance for Trade Enforcement Commends Congress’ Progress Toward Confirming a New U.S. Ambassador to Japan

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 24) — Today, Executive Director of the Alliance for Trade Enforcement Brian Pomper released the following statement regarding this week’s Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on the nomination of Kenneth R. Weinstein to be U.S. Ambassador to Japan:

“The Alliance for Trade Enforcement is thrilled that Congress is moving forward with Kenneth Weinstein’s nomination to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Japan.

Japan is the United States’ fourth-largest trading partner and our commerce with the nation supports an estimated 1.3 million American jobs. The next U.S. Ambassador to Japan will prove instrumental in strengthening this bilateral trade relationship, particularly as a new Japanese government assumes power and our nations head into Phase 2 trade deal negotiations.

There are several enforcement issues that must be addressed in these negotiations — principally, Japan’s restrictive auto test standards and discriminatory drug pricing practices. Appointing an ambassador that will represent America’s longstanding concerns with these trade barriers will help solidify the future of U.S.-Japan trade.

AFTE commends Congress on completing this essential step in Dr. Weinstein’s nomination process and earnestly awaits his swift confirmation as the next U.S. Ambassador to Japan.”

About the Alliance for Trade Enforcement: The Alliance for Trade Enforcement is a coalition of trade associations and business groups that advocates for foreign governments to end unfair trade practices that harm U.S. innovative industries and supports U.S. policymakers in their efforts to hold our trading partners accountable.