The United States and Eight Pacific Rim countries Tuesday concluded their round of talks in San Diego, California, aimed at creating an ambitious trade agreement. Negotiators told reporters that they are waiting to find out if Japan wants to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership, with Vietnam's delegate saying that he hopes Tokyo will decide by the end of August. The talks include Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. Mexico and Canada are expected to join the partnership soon, after the U.S. Trade Representative told Congress this week that both countries have been invited. The countries have 90 days to decide. The fourteenth round of talks will be held in Leesburg, Virginia in September.
