Smith Hails Economic Cooperation with Japan and South Korea 

Washington, D.C. – Today Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chair and Co-Chair of the U.S.-Japan Caucus Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced increased economic cooperation with Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung.

"Months of diligent work by President Trump and Ambassador Jamieson Greer are bringing about mutual prosperity and investment with our East Asian allies. I am particularly encouraged to see increased cooperation in innovation and technology advancements, including Japan’s assurances digital regulations will be implemented in a nondiscriminatory manner. As we work to strengthen our alliances with Japan and South Korea, this week’s progress marks significant progress for shared economic growth and regional security."

BACKGROUND:

On October 24, Smith led 20 House Republicans in sending a letter urging President Trump to address fair treatment of American digital companies under Japan's Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) during his visit to Japan.

On July 1st Smith and Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) led 41 of their colleagues in sending a letter commending the Trump administration for its efforts in trade negotiations and urging it to address barriers imposed by the South Korean government unfairly targeting American service providers and innovators in digital industries.