Trump's Japan envoy pick says he's optimistic on trade deal

The businessman in line to be American ambassador to Japan says he's optimistic about reaching deal with Japan that could mean equal or better results than the Asia-Pacific agreement that President Donald Trump pulled the United States from after taking office.

William Hagerty tells a Senate committee that Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and members of Trump's Cabinet are engaged in an "economic dialogue" aimed at a bilateral trade pact with Japan.

Hagerty says Trump and his team are making strides on a personal level with Japanese leaders.

Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (shin-zoh AH'-bay) at Trump's Florida resort in February.

Hagerty says Pence communicates regularly with Japan's vice prime minister.