PM of Japan: Japan keeps seeking Trump's understanding on TPP

(VNF) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed his belief that U.S. President Donald Trump understood the value of free trade as well as the significance of TPP.

"I believe President Trump understands the importance of free and fair trade, so I'd like to pursue his understanding on the strategic and economic importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)" Abe stated in a working session with Japanese parliament's lower house.

Abe also expressed his willingness to strengthen the U.S.-Japan security alliance based on mutual trust with Trump. Tokyo wanted to explain how Japanese companies have contributed to the U.S. economy, a stance the Japanese government has adopted to try to fend off threats of a "border tax" on imports into the United States.

Trump took office as the 45th president of the U.S. on Friday and his administration, on the same day, announced its trade strategy to protect American jobs would start with withdrawal from the 12-nation TPP trade pact.

The trade deal, which the United States signed but has not ratified, was a key pillar of former president Barack Obama's pivot to Asia, and Abe has touted it as an engine of economic reform./.

Channel News Asia ( Phi Yen )