On a recent trade mission to Japan:
"The trip to Japan went very well. We go on a trade mission every year, and Japan gave us one of the best receptions we've ever received. This encouraged me for the future. Our societies are facing similar pressures. With stronger dialogue, we can help each other solve our problems. I think education will be critical."
– Gov. Paul LePage, State of Maine
On the opportunities for Japan and the U.S. to develop business:
"The combination of Abenomics and the Trans-Pacific Partnership has encouraged a lot of interest among American companies to look to Japan, and I think people see new opportunities and higher growth in areas such as the health care sector, travel and tourism, the digital economy and agricultural trade in Japan. Overall, the trading relationship between the United States and Japan is a good and strong one amounting to more than $200 billion in two-way trade. Hopefully the approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement will strengthen and expand this relationship even more."
– James W. Fatheree, Executive Senior Director, Japan & Korea, Asia Department Division, U.S. Chamber of Commerce & U.S.-Japan Business Council
On how the Trans-Pacific Partnership will impact the auto industry:
"I’m optimistic about the TPP. I think it will have a positive impact on the U.S. economy. I see our members investing and producing more and more here, while also exporting more from the United States. The TPP will lower trade barriers globally, which will be immensely beneficial. Additionally, it will provide an opportunity to harmonize standards. People tend to lose sight of this. The TPP is going to be a big plus all-around and JAMA has been a strong supporter."
– Ron Bookbinder, General Director, Japan Automobile Manufacturers’ Association USA
On Japan Airlines’ four-year-old Tokyo-Boston route:
“We started this route in 2012, as the first-ever direct flight between Asia and Boston. This was also Japan Airlines’ first attempt at the 787 Dreamliner business model, making it very significant. We must thank our partners in the United States for their support, as it has been successful from the very beginning. This has opened up expansion opportunities for Japan Airlines.”
–Shinji Hayakawa, Vice-President & Regional Manager, North Eastern Region USA, Japan Airlines
