Japan to Finance U.S.-Chosen Projects in New Bilateral Deal

U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick said Washington and Tokyo have reached a financing agreement under which Japanese institutions will provide equity, loans and loan guarantees for projects chosen by the United States. Speaking in a broadcast interview, the secretary emphasized that Japan will serve strictly as a banker, supplying capital rather than operating the ventures. Lutnick added that the U.S. government will retain full discretion over which domestic or international initiatives receive backing. The arrangement is intended to accelerate priority projects while tapping Japanese financial resources, though details on the size of the commitment and the sectors targeted were not disclosed.