Subgroup 2 of Partnership: Regulatory Reform and Competition Policy Initiative (2001–2010)
U.S. Agencies
U.S. Trade Representative
Department of Commerce
Department of Justice
Japan Agencies
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry
Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare
Meeting Frequency
High-level meetings 1x/year; working groups ad hoc.
Context
- One of five Economic Partnership for Growth subgroups established in 2001.
- Replaced the earlier U.S.-Japan Enhanced Initiative on Deregulation and Competition Policy (part of the U.S.-Japan Framework for a New Economic Partnership).
Goals
- To promote economic growth by loosening regulations and enhancing competition.
Significance
The initiative had workings groups on telecommunications, information technologies, energy, and medical devices and pharmaceuticals, as well as a cross-sectoral working group. The working groups focused on fostering innovation, investment, and access in their respective areas, tackling issues such as transparency, competition policy, and legal reform.