Japan's minister of economy, trade and industry on Friday hailed President-elect George W. Bush's decision to name Robert Zoellick as his nominee for U.S. trade representative.
Speaking at a news conference, Takeo Hiranuma said Zoellick is the kind of person who can discuss trade issues with Japan from a broad and long-term perspective.
Zoellick, 47, served as counselor to the Treasury in President Ronald Reagan's administration and undersecretary of state for economic and agricultural affairs in the administration of Bush's father.