KUALA LUMPUR: The negotiations in the Trans Pacific Partnership in Hawaii just ended, again in an impasse as the 12 countries cited unresolved issues.
No timeline for the conclusion was announced.
US Trade Representative Michael Froman, who chaired the live streaming of the press conference from Lahaina in Hawaii remained upbeat about the momentum of the talks.
"We have made significant progress and will continue work on resolving a limited number of remaining issues, paving the way for the conclusion," he said.
The 12 countries are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed attended the three-day ministerial meeting which followed a week-long meeting by the chief negotiators.
Ministers and negotiators continue their intensive engagement to find common ground. Negotiators will also continue to work to formalise the achievements over the past week.
"In this last stage of negotiations, we are more confident than ever that TPP is within reach and will support jobs and economic growth."
Froman said the progress made this week reflects longstanding commitment to deliver an ambitious, comprehensive and high-standard TPP agreement that will support jobs and economic growth across the Asia Pacific region.