Watson Coleman: “we share a strategic and important relationship with Japan. A relationship that has proven to be vital for both…”

“we share a strategic and important relationship with Japan. A relationship that has proven to be vital for both countries, as we enhance our collaboration on everything from economic pursuits to our joint national security interests. On all of these fronts Japan has demonstrated that it is both a committed partner of the U.S. as well as a global leader in its own right. It is because Japan has demonstrated its leadership on the global stage that I support its bid to become a member of the U.N. Security Council. As with any partnership, the U.S. and Japan face the occasional challenges to this cooperation. One might argue this is an opportunity for the U.S. and Japan to strengthen their partnership and increase collaboration and trade. The time is now to push this cooperation. However, I am concerned about a threat to our trade relationship with Japan based on our medical technology industry's market access in Japan. It is crucial to my State of Minnesota that we have access to this market and to our country. Last Congress, I submitted a resolution in the Senate expressing my concern that discriminatory practices and systematic barriers have limited the ability of the U.S. medical device industry to introduce new technologies into the Japanese healthcare system. Today, I am resubmitting similar resolution.…”