    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [October 17, 1997]
    [Page 1395]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Japan-United States Trade Agreement on Access to
    Japanese Ports
    October 17, 1997

        I am pleased that our negotiators have reached an agreement in
    principle that will open trade in Japan's ports and level the playing
    field for American shippers. We have long pressed Japan for a firm
    commitment to liberalize trade in its ports, and today they have done
    just that. Japan has agreed to provide an expedited licensing process
    for American ships entering its ports and to support an alternative to
    the port services provided by the Japanese Harbor Transportation
    Authority. Those provisions, after the details are worked out, will
    allow America's shippers to compete and win in the global marketplace. I
    want to congratulate our negotiators for all of their hard work on
    behalf of America's businesses and workers.