American Evaliation of Japan's Efforts

Officials and business leaders of the United States have highly appraised the implementation of the measures taken by Japan. After the conclusion of the Japan-United States Autos and Auto Parts Consultations, General Motors President John F. Smith, Jr. and United States Trade Representative Mickey Kantor gave a very positive assessment of the contents of the conclusions and subsequent developments.

On 16 November 1995, Mr. John F. Smith, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and President of General Motors Corporation, stated at the New York Japanese Chamber of Commerce that Japan should not be a scapegoat for the United States trade deficit, which is mainly due to the United States' own economic practices. He also stressed that Japan should not be blamed for the loss of U.S. jobs and that Japan bashing only harms the trust that needs to be rebuilt between the peoples of the United States and Japan. He went on to say that there is much U.S. and Japanese companies and industries can do to ease frictions, and that U.S.-Japan relations must not be allowed to deteriorate further.

Positive comments made by the U.S. side after the conclusion of the Japan-United States Auto and Auto Parts Consultations: "I am pleased with the progress made to date, particularly in the areas of deregulation of the Japanese aftermarket and the increased investment in Japanese auto transplant operations. The progress in these areas translates into real benefits for American workers and American companies."

• Taken from a statement by United States Trade Representative Mickey Kantor. Source: USTR Press Release, 28 December 1995.