President Obama is eager to conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations as quickly as possible, as the TPP would contribute to the growth of the U.S. economy and employment by increasing U.S. exports. Prime Minister Noda has a keen interest in joining the TPP negotiations before its conclusion as he does not want Japan to be excluded from the important regional free trade agreement. The U.S. has not agreed to Japan's participation in the TPP negotiations. The TPP could become a case for which the US and Japan cooperate to establish a regional framework. Or the TPP could result in a long and harsh exchange of conflicting opinions between the US and Japan, a la Structural Impediment Initiative(SII) talks.
This seminar discusses the meaning of the TPP for the U.S. and Japan.