At a press conference on 19 October, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru (木原稔) argued that Japanese products should be treated as equivalent to EU-made products in connection with moves to exclude Japanese-made products from preferential measures for European-made vehicles under consideration by the European Union.
At a press conference on 19 October, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru (木原稔) said that Japanese products should be treated as equivalent to EU-made products regarding moves to exclude Japanese-made products from preferential measures for European-made vehicles under consideration by the European Union.
Kihara (木原) said, “We have communicated our concerns to the EU side at every level to ensure that companies from our country do not suffer disadvantages,” adding that he intends to respond appropriately to ensure a fair competitive environment for Japanese companies in the EU market.
Although it is unclear how the response will proceed, he indicated a policy of clarifying Japan's position on the preferential measures and continuing coordination with the relevant authorities.