AlHijjah 16, 1432, Nov 12, 2011, SPA - U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk says leaders of Asia-Pacific economies will deliver meaningful steps to boost trade and growth at their annual summit this weekend. Kirk ended a meeting of regional trade ministers Friday with praise for Japan's plan to join efforts to forge a Pacific free trade bloc. He said leaders meeting in Hawaii intend to announce a broad outline for the plan. He said the so-called Trans-Pacific Partnership would complement other efforts to promote freer trade and that other countries can join if they are willing to meet the very high standards required, according to a report of the Associated Press. China's trade minister, Chen Deming, said Beijing would seriously consider it if invited. Kirk said, "You should not wait for an invitation."
