P.M. BRIEFING : Seoul Hailed, Tokyo Hit on Trade
U.S. Commerce Secretary Robert A. Mosbacher assailed Japan today for closing its markets to American goods and services but praised South Korea for opening its markets wider.
Mosbacher told South Korean businessmen that Washington applauds Seoul’s spirit of cooperation in response to trade pressure, imposed in particular through the 1988 U.S. Trade Act.
But he was critical of Japan’s efforts and promised to voice his criticism when he visits Tokyo on Tuesday after his three-day visit to Seoul.
“We opened our markets. And we worked to create a trading system that would allow for everyone to prosper. Now it’s Japan’s turn to show the same kind of commitment to the world trading system,” Mosbacher said.
“Thankfully, I don’t have that kind of message to deliver in Korea today,” he said.
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