The 11 remaining members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership will aim to sign a new pact without the United States on March 8 in Chile after overcoming differences on outstanding issues, including a request by Canada on cultural protection, a Japanese minister said Tuesday.

"It is a landmark (deal) for the future of our country and the Asia-Pacific region," said Toshimitsu Motegi, the government's TPP minister. He made the comments after a two-day meeting in Tokyo through Tuesday, at which top trade officials of the 11 countries finalized the text and agreed on the date for a signing ceremony.

After the deal comes into force, "I would like to explain to the United States the importance of the pact in the hope of its return," Motegi said. "Other countries have also shown interest (in the TPP) so I want to share information and seek an expansion of the TPP."