The trade chiefs of Japan, China and South Korea agreed Friday to speed up their negotiations on a free trade agreement, ending their first trilateral meeting in 3½ years on a positive note.
Economy, trade and industry minister Motoo Hayashi announced the agreement after meeting in Seoul with his counterparts, South Korean Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Yoon Sang Jick and China International Trade Representative Zhong Shan, but noted the trio opted not to set a specific time frame.
The trade powwow precedes a similar high-profile leaders' summit taking place Sunday in Seoul.