Trans-Pacific Partnership talks progressing

   Officials made progress during the recently closed 18th round of negotiations concerning the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), finding “common ground” on issues related to intellectual property, the environment and competition, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. The assembled officials also welcomed Japan as the 12th member of the group, and they all developed plans for addressing remaining roadblocks to an agreement.
   Leaders involved still think a comprehensive agreement could be reached this year. The next round of negotiations will begin on August 22 in Brunei.
   Representatives have been discussing barriers to trade, market access, rules of origin, e-commerce and transparency, among other issues.
   The partnership negotiations involve representatives from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and the United States.
   “Through the TPP, the United States is seeking to advance a 21st-century trade and investment framework that will boost competitiveness, expand trade and investment with the robust economies of the Asia Pacific, and support the creation and retention of U.S. jobs, while promoting core U.S. principles on labor rights, environmental protection, and transparency,” according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. – Jon Ross