Still 'Issues' to Be Resolved in RCEP Negotiations, Japan Says

Japan’s trade minister said there are still “some issues” that need to be worked out during negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership despite progress being made, according to an unofficial translation of an Oct. 11 press conference.

“The negotiations have made considerable progress in both the market access and rules areas, but there are some issues that need final adjustments at the ministerial level,” Trade Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said. Motegi said Japan plans to meet with trade ministers from other parties to the agreement over the weekend and hopes to “settle the remaining political issues” for a November summit.

In September, China said negotiations for RCEP -- which will expand trade between members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand -- were “accelerating” with few remaining obstacles (see 1909300042). The countries have said they hope to finalize negotiations this year (see 1904180052).