April 16 - The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) recently invited me to talk about the present state of U.S.-Japan bilateral relations, at their monthly gathering of elected and committee leadership. My presentation and the question-and-answer session covered topics including U.S.-Japan security relations, foreign policy, trade and investment issues, and development assistance. I also told the ACCJ members that the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo values our close working relationship with American businesses in Japan.

In attendance that day were nearly 50 business persons representing the leadership of ACCJ committees and task forces from the approximately 1,000 member firms. The audience ranged from entrepreneurs and small business owners to the Japan presidents of Fortune 500 companies. Most have extensive experience in Japan, and many have lived in Japan for decades. Their core mission is policy advocacy, networking, and information sharing.

But I also enjoy these sorts of events so I can listen and learn. That day I learned about the ACCJ's plans to support the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The Chamber discussed ambitious plans to partner with other Japanese and American business organizations to take advantage of the fact that Japan hosts the APEC leaders meeting in 2010 and the United States in 2011. The Chamber hopes that during these two years APEC will promote trade and investment liberalization in the region, thereby contributing to economic prosperity in both the United States and Japan.

The U.S. Embassy in Japan shares this goal and wants to continue working closely with such business organizations to realize these objectives.

Until next time,

Jim