Akazawa, Lutnick to Discuss First Project for $550 Billion Fund

Japanese Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will meet this week to discuss the first project to be funded via the $550 billion investment vehicle that was a pillar of the two countries’ trade deal last year.

“If the formation of the first project is completed, that will be announced,” Akazawa said on Tuesday at a press conference. “We plan to hold further discussions toward that end.”

Akazawa said he will visit the US between Feb. 11-14, if conditions allow him to do so. He declined to comment on the latest developments in the ongoing negotiations ...