Ministers and representatives of the member nations of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) recently met virtually and committed to soon make Costa Rica a member and expedite work on making Uruguay a member.
The participants also decided to begin preparatory talks with the Philippines, Indonesia and the UAE—a step towards launching accession negotiations.
The participants also decided to begin preparatory talks with the Philippines, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates—a step towards launching accession negotiations.
A joint ministerial statement issued in November 2025 had confirmed that the three countries met the principles for accession, including their readiness to meet high standards.
The group has for the first time set up a framework for preliminary negotiations as a precursor to formal talks. It has formed a policy to review the domestic systems and trade rules of applicants.
Cambodia applied for CPTPP membership in November 2025, while Argentina applied earlier this month.
“We affirmed that any further initiatives, including trade and investment dialogues, will be carried out by consensus of the CPTPP parties,” the latest joint ministerial statement said, apparently indicating to the fact that China, which is not a CPTPP member, held an event related to the pact in May this year without prior approval.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
