Asahi reported on a draft “Trade White Paper” to be released in late June by METI, noting that the ministry is set to express deep concern about protectionism abroad by saying: “Complaints about globalization stemming from growing disparity are emerging in the U.S. and other industrialized countries.” The GOJ document reportedly underscores the importance of pursuing trade liberalization by saying: “Free trade is an engine of economic growth and contributes to reducing disparity.”