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TPP ministers likely to gather late February -- official

TOKYO, Jan 31 (KUNA) -- Japanese Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Akira Amari said Friday that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries are likely to hold the next ministerial talks late February, calling it a crucial meeting. "There is no confirmation yet, but we are in preparation for holding the next gathering later in February. The upcoming meeting is very important, as it will be held before US midterm congressional elections in November," Amari, who is also the minister in charge of the TPP free trade talks, told a press conference.
The nations taking part in the US-led TPP talks are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the US and Vietnam.
"All TPP countries should have strong determination to conclude the negotiations, instead of considering it as another stage in the process," Amari stressed.
US President Barack Obama's administration aims to get Congressional approval for the TPP agreement before the midterm elections, which are expected to preoccupy the country's politicians.
The 12 countries have not reached an agreement, due to strong discord on such issues as tariff rules, intellectual property rights and reform of government-owned companies. (end) mk.ajs KUNA 311922 Jan 14NNNN