NEWS : Trump calls for Japanese carmakers to create more jobs in US

January 30, 2017 TOKYO -- U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking assurances that Japan's automakers will cooperate in creating additional American jobs, according to Japanese officials.
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In Saturday's phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump reiterated his initiative to create jobs in the U.S. and requested that the Japanese auto industry contribute, government officials revealed Sunday. Abe replied that the industry has already created 1.5 million American jobs, citing trade group estimates. He outlined contributions by Japanese businesses to the economy in both employment and investment.
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The duo did not touch on specific trade issues, such as Trump's decision to pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, according to the sources. They agreed to discuss policy details, including the TPP decision and a bilateral trade agreement, at their Feb. 10 meeting in Washington.
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"The two leaders also committed to deepen the bilateral trade and investment relationship," the White House said.
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They also reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral security alliance in addressing challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Trump affirmed the "ironclad" U.S. commitment to ensuring Japan's security, the White House said. The need to consult and cooperate on North Korea was stressed in particular as the country continues to carry out nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
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Plans are under consideration for Finance Minister Taro Aso and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida to accompany Abe to Washington.
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(Nikkei)