April 12,2013

Press Contact:

Sean Neary/Meaghan Smith
202-224-4515

Baucus Comment on Japan Joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

MEMORANDUM

To:
From:
Date:
Re:

Reporters and Editors
Sean Neary and Meaghan Smith for Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
April 12, 2013
Baucus Comment on Japan Joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) today released the statement below, following the announcement that the U.S. has concluded bilateral consultations with Japan on its entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership:

“This is encouraging news.  Japan’s participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks presents an extraordinary opportunity that could open up huge new markets to American goods and services.  With Japan included, the TPP would account for nearly 40 percent of the global economy and provide a major shot in the arm to America’s manufacturing, business and agriculture industries.  It will mean more jobs and faster growth in Montana and all across America.

“The TPP has to be a high-standard agreement in order for it to live up to its promise, and Japan needs to meet those standards as the negotiations progress.  By accepting more U.S. beef exports, Japan showed it is willing to take the kind of steps this agreement requires.  We will set a high bar moving forward and work closely with the administration to ensure the TPP works for American businesses, ranchers, farmers and workers.”

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