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Japanese ag counselor says TPP is still best

A Japanese leader says the Trans Pacific Partnership is still the best option for both Japan and the U.S.

Hiroaki Kojima is the ag counselor for the Embassy of Japan.

“If we just compare the TPP and bilateral agreements, Japan still belies that the TPP is a better idea,” he says.

But, he says a bilateral trade agreement between the U.S. and Japan is still on the table.

President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Abe spoke in Florida in April and agreed to continue trade talks.

“Everything is on the table but we haven’t decided yet,” he says. “Through the new talks we will discuss with U.S. counterparts what is the best way for both countries to get mutual beneficial trade deals.”

President Trump recently floated the idea of rejoining the TPP, but then said it would have to be a better deal for the U.S.

Kojima spoke to farm broadcasters in Washington D.C.

Audio: Hiroaki Kojima, Embassy of Japan