The domestic auto industry has thrown its support behind the government's decision to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations in the hope that a free-trade deal will help them counter the impact of the stubbornly strong yen.
"JAMA welcomes the announcement by the government," Toshiyuki Shiga, chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and chief operating officer of Nissan Motor Co., said Friday.
"It is anticipated that a TPP agreement, once concluded, will be effective in enhancing the business environment and advancing free trade in (the Asia-Pacific) region," he said.