The Japanese government on Friday asked to join trade talks aimed at creating a massive free trade zone of at least 11 nations including the United States, Canada and Mexico — a move that could have dramatic implications for the U.S. auto industry.
"Emerging countries in Asia are shifting to an open economy one after another. If Japan alone remains an inward-looking economy, there would be no chance for growth," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a news conference in Tokyo, according to media reports in Japan, where he announced the world's third largest economy would ask to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks. "This is our last chance. If we miss this opportunity, Japan will be left behind."'
The American Automotive Policy Council, which represents Detroit's Big Three automakers, urged the Obama administration not to let Japan join the talks.