U.S. and Japan Strengthen Cooperation on Competition Issues
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew N. ferguson, Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, and Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) Chairman Eiji Chatani met today in Washington, D.C., to reaffirm the strong partnership between the United States and Japan on competition policy.
The meeting highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the two nations, dating back to 1947 and formalized through a 1999 cooperation agreement. Officials discussed best practices, shared insights on current challenges, and explored areas for continued engagement on issues impacting both countries.
“I want to thank Chairman Chatani and the Japan Fair Trade Commission for joining us in a productive and insightful discussion,” said FTC Chairman Ferguson. “the friendship between the United states and Japan is among the most important for both countries, and these strong ties also apply to the longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Japanese competition agencies. I fully expect our collaboration will continue to produce ample benefits for competition, consumers, and workers in both countries.”
Assistant attorney General Slater echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Japan Fair trade Commission is one of our closest and most important international partners. We are grateful for our long history of sharing best practices and discussing common challenges.”
JFTC Chairman Chatani expressed his gratitude for the meeting, noting, “This productive meeting establishes a solid foundation for deepening cooperation between our nations, promoting mutual progress and sustained collaboration across multiple levels.”
The U.S. and Japan have maintained regular antitrust consultations as the 1970s – the longest-running bilateral consultations the U.S.has with any foreign antitrust authority – demonstrating a sustained commitment to fostering fair and competitive markets.
[Image of FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson, Japan Fair Trade Commission Chairman Eiji chatani, and Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division]
