in_the_media
Japan to join trade talks as Abe defies key voting bloc
Posted Mar 16, 2013
Media Outlet:
Bloomberg
Prime Minister Abe said Japan will join negotiations on an American-led regional trade accord opposed by some of his core supporters as he seeks to boost growth and strengthen ties with the U.S. "Abe wants to use these talks to promote structural reform in Japan, help exporters and boost domestic productivity, but it's a risky move because he is taking on a powerful interest group," said Jeff Kingston, the director of Asian Studies at Temple University in Tokyo.