Japan -- Foreign Direct Investment

Answer: As indicated the report released today, foreign direct investment in Japan has nearly doubled since 2001, and Prime Minister Abe has reiterated his commitment to double FDI by 2010. Since he took office in September 2006, the Abe Government has had some success in moving ahead with revisions to the corporate code that expand avenues for mergers and acquisitions by foreign companies, and we continue to look at the actual impact of these and other changes on the environment for new investment in Japan.

Japan is an active and engaged partner in the U.S.-Japan Investment Initiative which we launched in 2001 as part of a broad economic agenda between our countries. The initiative has been an essential part of our dialogue on economic reform which we view as essential for robust economic growth. We look forward to continuing to work with Japan to expand opportunities for investment in Japan and the United States.