(VOVworld) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued a staunch joint defence of free trade on Sunday as the United States pushes towards greater protectionism.
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| (Photo: EPA/ VNA) |
Speaking in Hanover, Germany, Ms. Merkel confirmed Germany’s viewpoint to free and open markets. She made no direct reference to US President Donald Trump, elected on a protectionist "America First" platform promising to slash trade deficits, but noted that the European Union and Japan are negotiating a free trade deal that may be reached this year.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Japan wants to be the champion upholding open systems alongside Germany. He expressed his hope that a EU-Japan trade deal will soon be reached.