TPP chief negotiators' meeting begins
Biz / Tech
Apr. 24, 2015 - Updated 07:50 UTC+7
Chief negotiators in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade talks have begun their latest round of meetings in the United States.
Top working-level officials from 12 participating countries started 4-day talks in the suburbs of Washington on Thursday.
They are expected to discuss outstanding issues such as the term of patents for pharmaceutical products.
Ahead of the meeting, Japan's Koji Tsuruoka discussed a fast-track bill that would give US President Barack Obama greater authority in trade negotiations.
He said it's pleasing that deliberations regarding the issue are in full swing in US Congress.
He said he hopes those discussions will have a positive impact on the chief negotiators' meeting, and help it progress.
Delegates aim to pave the way for the early conclusion of a deal at the next ministerial-level meeting among all 12 countries.