BRIEF HISTORY OF
THE JAPAN-UNITED STATES
FRAMEWORK TALKS

1993

16 April:

Summit between Prime Minister Miyazawa and President Clinton produces agreement on the establishment of a new comprehensive bilateral framework on economic issues.

10 July:

"Framework for a New Economic Partnership between Japan and the United States" released jointly by Prime Minister Miyazawa and President Clinton.

1994

11 February:

Summit between Prime Minister Hosokawa and President Clinton results in decision to observe a "cooling off period" due to differences of opinion on the issue of objective criteria.

3 March:

Super 301 revived.

29 March:

Japanese Cabinet approves "Outline of External Economic Reform Measures."

24 May:

Agreement reached on reopening consultations in three priority areas (insurance, automobiles and government procurement).

1 August:

United States specifies Japan with respect to government procurement under Title of the United States Trade Act.

16 August:

Agreement reached on intellectual property rights.

1 October:

Agreement reached on government procurement, insurance and other areas. With no agreement on autos and auto parts, the United States launches an investigation under Section 301 of the United States Trade Act, and negotiations are suspended.

14 November:

Japan-United States Summit held during APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Indonesia.

12 December:

Agreement reached on flat glass.

1995

4 January:

Resumption of negotiations on autos and auto parts announced.

10 January:

Agreement reached on financial services.

11 January:

Summit between Prime Minister Murayama and President Clinton. Main items discussed in the economic sphere are deregulation, APEC and the Common Agenda for Cooperation in Global Perspective.

31 March:

Japan releases its "Deregulation Action Program."

15 June:

Substantive agreement reached on investment and corporate relations.

16 June:

Summit between Prime Minister Murayama and President Clinton. They agree on extension of the Framework Talks.

28 June:

Substantial conclusion reached in consultations on autos and auto parts.

3 July:

USTR decides to investigate Kodak's claim with regard to Section 301.

23 August:

Release of the Final Documents on Autos and Auto Parts under the Framework Talks.

28 September:

Japanese wood product markets and paper markets are designated for watch list under Super 301.

19 November:

Prime Minister Murayama meets Vice President Gore.

1996

18-19 January:

Japanese Foreign Minister Ikeda visits the United States.

23 February:

Summit between Prime Minister Hashimoto and President Clinton.