‘TPP 11’ are working to save the trade deal, but members remain far apart
The remaining members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal showed at least some level of unity in a statement May 21, but the outlook for a “TPP 11” version of the trade pact after the U.S. bailed on the deal looks hazy as gaps remain on key issues. Ministers of the 11 countries met in Vietnam on the sidelines of the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and compiled a statement that emphasized the expected economic benefits of the 12-nation pact reached in October 2015. The 11 countries look to conclude talks by November on an alternative arrangement without the U.S. to implement the agreement quickly, the statement said.
