P.M. BRIEFING : Soviets, Japan Open Trade Talks

TOKYO — Soviet industry leaders hoped to clear new approaches for business ties with Japan, but Japanese industrialists were more cautious when a three-day bilateral economic conference opened today.

“The Soviet side should pay back all its overdue debts to Japanese firms and clarify laws on rights and responsibilities to further economic cooperation,” Isamu Yamashita, head of the Japan delegation, said in his opening remarks.

About 120 Soviet officials from various industries met with about 400 from Japan for the annual talks.

“The Soviet side is looking for new approaches and new ideas,” a Soviet Embassy official said. “These may be created around new ties between firms, local governments and other organizations and away from relations between central governments.”