Japan, US make progress on trade

 Japanese and U.S. trade negotiatorsmade progress on Wednesday in trade talks meant to spur a broader Pacific tradepact and prepare for a visit by President Barack Obama, but they remain apart onkey issues, both sides said, Reuters reported."I think we made some progress today and I'm looking forward to returningtomorrow to engage further," U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman toldreporters after a day of negotiations with Japanese Economy Minister Akira Amari.Amari said "debate has deepened considerably" in the talks, which focus on access toJapan's agricultural market and both countries' car markets. "But there's stillconsiderable distance" between the two sides' positions, he added.Tokyo and Washington are seeking a two-way trade deal, regarded as a key part of the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that is the centrepiece of Washington'spush to increase its Asian presence, before Obama travels to Japan for an April 24-25state visit.