Japan Hopes US Package In Line With Trade Rules

`The world must not run for protectionism. I hope it won`t foster protectionism,` Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said.

Japan's top government spokesman said on Thursday he hoped U.S. lawmakers would finalise an economic stimulus package in line with World Trade Organization rules.

"The world must not run for protectionism. I hope it (the U.S. package) won't foster protectionism," Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura told a news conference.

U.S. congressional negotiators have reached a deal on controversial "Buy American" provisions of a huge economic stimulus bill that address concerns of some U.S. trade partners, a senior Democratic lawmaker said on Wednesday.

Canada, the European Union and Japan last week welcomed the softened language of the "Buy American" provisions in the economic package over concerns the initial plan could start a trade war.