Don't think final TPP-11 pact has been reached: Taro Aso

Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso answers questions after a cabinet meeting in Tokyo on Sept 5, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Friday (Nov 10) that he was not aware that a final agreement had been reached among the 11 remaining members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) because of some lingering issues involving Mexico and Vietnam.

Aso told reporters after a Cabinet meeting that an agreement among the TPP-11 would be a "good thing" for global trade.

Ministers from the 11 countries met in the resort of Danang in Vietnam on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit to discuss how to proceed with the deal after the United States withdrew.

Mexico's trade minister said on Thursday the TPP countries had reached agreement in talks, but he gave no details and said there would be an announcement on Friday.

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