Export-import activities are affected the most by TPP (Source: Manh Duong/VNA)

Speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting, Japan's chief negotiator, Keiichi Katakami urged the 11 countries to unite to make the TPP a reality.

The preliminary talks will be followed by a meeting of the countries' trade ministers later this month. Japan hopes to strike a new deal by mid-November, when a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum will be held in Vietnam.