Remaining members of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement are working on a statement to reaffirm their commitment to it, despite the withdrawal of the United States, sources close to the discussions said.
Some still hope for the eventual return of the United States to the deal ditched by U.S. President Donald Trump, because of his readiness to shift position on other issues, Malaysia's trade minister said.
Talks are happening on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, the biggest trade gathering since Trump upended the world order with his "America First" policy.
The competing visions are evident at this weekend's APEC meeting of ministers from countries that account for well over 40 percent of world trade.
While new U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will hold bilateral talks with key countries, China will be pushing its favored Asian trade agreement as it puts itself forward as a global free trade champion.
Japan is leading the countries that still want to persist with the much more comprehensive TPP agreement, abandoned by Trump in one of his first acts in office and which does not include China.
Sources close to the discussions said the so-called TPP-11 nations - the 11 left after the United States withdrew - were planning a statement of commitment to the pact.
"There will be two main points: 1. To aim for an early entry into force of the TPP-11, 2. To bear in mind an environment where a signatory country can return," said one source close to the discussions who was not authorized to speak to the media.
The agreement is due to take effect next year.
Source: www.reuters.com