TPP talks in Atlanta prolonged for remaining divergences
Trade ministers from Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) member countries attending the round of talks in Atlanta, Georgia, the US have decided to extend their negotiations to October 5 (US time).
Trade ministers from Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) member countries attending the round of talks (Source: Reuters)
Trade ministers from Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) member countries attending the round of talks in Atlanta, Georgia, the US have decided to extend their negotiations to October 5 (US time), aiming to reach a final agreement for the world largest free trade agreement.
Negotiators agreed to prolong the duration of the talks, which was originally scheduled for five days beginning on September 30 (US time), because they have yet to solve outstanding differences before finalising the historical agreement.
During the negotiations, participants concurred with the decision to remove barriers for automotive component imports into North American markets, which was a thorny issue in earlier TPP negotiations.
They also found common ground on the duration of patent protections for new-generation drugs as the US and Australia, which had cutthroat arguments about the issue, finally arrived at a compromise.
However, issues related to the US and Canada opening their markets to dairy products from New Zealand resurfaced, bringing the negotiations to a deadlock.
The US said it will only open the door for New Zealand’s dairy products if Canada also follows suit. However, Canada’s policy aims to limit dairy products imports in order to protect the domestic milk industry as New Zealand is demanding a market share greater than 10 percent in Canada, critically slowing the progress of the final negotiations.
TPP countries began the ministerial talks in Atlanta with the hope of closing the deal on the Trans-Pacific Partnership after failing to reach a final deal on the pact in Hawaii in last July.
Negotiations on the trade pact were launched in 2005 between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam.
Once signed, the TPP will become a free trade region of 800-million pꦗeople, accounting for 30 percent of global trade and about 40 percent of the world’s econ🍃omy.-VNA
Trade ministers from 12 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) member states convened a meeting in Atlanta, the US, on September 30 in an effort to resolve key issues of the world’s largest free trade deal.
Trade ministers from Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) member countries reached consensus on a number of issues after their first day of sitting in Atlanta, Georgia, the US on October 1 (Hanoi time).
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Trade ministers from Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) member countries attending the round of talks (Source: Reuters)
