Merkel ally, in Tokyo, pushes for swift EU trade deal

A senior ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel pressed Japan on Wednesday to quickly seal a trade deal with the European Union, especially in light of protectionist signals coming from US President Donald Trump.

Volker Kauder, head of Merkel’s conservative parliamentary group, said he was encouraged by his talks with Japanese government and opposition officials during a visit to Tokyo.

“Talks about a free trade deal between the EU and Japan must be completed fast. In view of the isolationist policies of US President Trump, the time for hesitation is gone,” Kauder said in a statement after his meetings in Japan.

Trump has worried countries like Germany with talk of imposing import taxes. The Group of 20 powers even failed to agree on a commitment to keep global trade free and open at a meeting in Germany last month, due to US opposition.

He added that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and opposition parties also viewed that matter in the same way.

“I have the impression that the Japanese side is now trying to get a quick deal after years with no breakthrough but rather a standstill in the talks,” he said, adding Abe had stressed it would send an important signal amid growing protectionism. (RTRS)