Australia, Japan vow to sign trans-Pacific trade pact
(VOVWORLD) - Australia and Japan will conclude the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) by March, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Thursday after a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.
 Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (Photo: AP) |
Both sides want all 11 countries to join the first wave, but the main goal is to have the pact take effect as soon as possible, Turnbull said.
The CPTPP replaces the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which the US withdrew from last year. Turnbull said the new agreement will leave the door open for eventual US participation.