TPP trade ministers try to bridge differences in Atlanta
Trade ministers from 12 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) member states convened a meeting in Atlanta, the US, on September 30 in an effort to resolve key issues of the world’s largest free trade deal.
Trade ministers from 12 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) member countries met in Hawaii on July 31. (Photo: VNA)
Trade ministers from 12 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) member countries convened a meeting in the city of Atlanta, Georgia, the US, on September 30 in an effort to resolve key issues of the world’s largest free trade deal.
The agenda of the two-day meeting focus on differences over a number of outstanding issues which prevented the sides from reaching the final agreement at the last top-level talks in Hawaii in July.
Among these issues are US import barriers on some Japanese auto components, US and Canada’s market openings to dairy products from New Zealand and the duration of patent protection for new-generation drugs.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said this talk might be a good chance of wrapping up the TPP and warned about possible political consequences if the negotiations last too long.
According to him, the meeting of TPP negotiating state leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the Philippines in mid-November would probably be the last chance to seal the deal this year.
But trade analyst Sean West of the Eurasia Group believed that the final deal is likely by the end of the year, even if the Atlanta meeting makes no progress.
The TPP negotiations began since 2005 and the participating countries are making great efforts to complete it as soon as possible after the 2013 deadline was missed.
The TPP member states are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the US and Vietnam.
Once the deal is signed, the TPP will become a free trade region of 800-million people, accounting for 30 percent of global trade and about 40 percent of the world’s economy.-VNA
Most Vietnamese businesses are still unclear about international trade and business laws, which could result in a loss of opportunities presented by the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).
How the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP will open opportunities to attract investment in Vietnam was the focus of an interview granted by a former official of the Foreign Investment Agency.
Regulations on the origin of goods will present challenges to Vietnam’s textile and garment sector once free trade agreements, especially the looming Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), come into force.
Thailand is considering joining negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement but needs to further study the pact’s terms and conditions, said Deputy PM Somkid Jatusripitak.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Trade ministers from 12 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) member countries met in Hawaii on July 31. (Photo: VNA)
