Vice-Ministerial Meeting of the Japan-U.S. Economic Policy Consultative Committee (Economic “2+2”)

Mr. MATSUO Takehiko, Vice-Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Mr. AKAHORI Takeshi, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the meeting representing the Japanese side. Ms. Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, and Mr. Jose W. Fernandez, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, attended the meeting representing the U.S. side.

In the meeting, both sides confirmed that they will further materialize bilateral initiatives toward strengthening the rules-based economic order in the Indo-Pacific region as well as protecting and promoting critical and emerging technologies. They also concurred to work toward further strengthening the bilateral economic relationship, including expanding mutual investment between Japan and the U.S.

Both sides shared the recognition that the Economic “2+2” launched in 2022 as concurred between the leaders of Japan and the U.S. has been functioning as an effective framework in promoting Japan-U.S. cooperation in areas including economic security. Furthermore, they confirmed that, through this framework, they will continue to discuss diplomacy, security, and economy as a whole, and further strengthen their cooperation on common challenges, including economic security as well as maintaining and strengthening the rules-based economic order.

Division in Charge

Americas Division, Trade Policy Bureau