Chilean Prez Pinera calls on Japan to join TPP

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera calls on Japan to join TPP

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has emphasized the benefits of Japan's full participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal.The visiting president spoke to NHK in Tokyo. Chile is one of the 4 countries that first proposed the TPP.

Pinera said Japan's participation not only has great significance for itself, but also for all countries involved in the TPP. The President said it is better for Japan to get involved before members agree on a framework because it can discuss and negotiate the outline of the trade deal's structure.

Pinera also said it's uncertain whether the 9 countries currently in the negotiations can reach a broad agreement to strike a deal this year.He said that differences remain in areas such as intellectual property and service trade.