INTERVIEW: EU Hopes to Work with Japan to Prevent U.S. Protectionism

October 24, 2018

Tokyo- The European Union hopes to enhance cooperation with Japan in order to prevent excessive protectionism by United States, according to European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen.

Sharing such causes as multilateralism, the EU aims to join hands with Japan to encourage the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump "not to move toward protectionism or managed trade too much at least," Katainen said in an interview with Jiji Press in Tokyo on Tuesday.

On an economic partnership agreement designed to promote free trade between Japan and the EU, Katainen said the EU is expected to complete procedures for ratification on Dec. 20. The top officials of the two sides signed the agreement in July.

Katainen, who is in charge of jobs, economic growth, investment and competitiveness, took part in a high-level industrial, trade and economic dialogue with the Japanese government held Monday in Tokyo. The two sides agreed to collaborate on investment in infrastructure development in third countries.

In infrastructure investment, the EU also works with China, which pushes ahead with the Belt and Road Initiative for the development of regions along the old Silk Road. Katainen revealed that, in talks with China, he underscored the importance that projects in the initiative must be "transparent and open for all."

He also signaled his support for "quality infrastructure" projects promoted by Japan. Jiji Press