Japan got the green light Saturday to participate in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade negotiations from the last of the 11 member nations, as Canada granted its approval at the end of bilateral talks.
Ottawa's permission puts Japan on track to join from late July the ongoing discussions on creating a high-level trade liberalization framework among Pacific Rim countries.
"Canada has successfully concluded its consultations with Japan," Canadian Trade Minister Ed Fast said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing to work together to deepen our trade and investment relationship in a manner that will generate significant benefits for hard-working people in both our countries."