Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Thursday called for an early conclusion to negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a day after 16 members of the envisaged Asian free trade agreement failed to reach a broad deal targeting a year-end deadline.
At a ministerial meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Port Moresby, Kono also expressed concern about protectionism in a veiled criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" trade policy.
With the RCEP members eyeing a deal next year, Kono said the 16 nations including Japan, China, Australia and India will continue to vigorously negotiate so they can conclude a pact that is comprehensive, balanced and the highest standard possible.