Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ryō Aizawa, stated that the United States and Japan still have major differences regarding the initial projects under a $550 billion investment fund. Following an 85-minute meeting with U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Lutnick, in Washington on Thursday, Aizawa did not announce the list of the first batch of projects. It remains unclear when the initial projects will be finalized and made public. However, progress has been made in the negotiations, which will continue to address difficult issues related to national interest rates. The discussions aim to strengthen mutually beneficial economic relations between Japan and the U.S., taking into account Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's planned visit to the United States in March. The timing for the next round of talks has not yet been determined.