Japan's government will soon name a chief negotiator to represent the country in talks on a proposed free-trade pact. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says the Trans-Pacific Partnership is vital for Japan's economic future.

Abe spoke on Sunday at a convention of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, which he heads.

Abe said Japan should not be left behind when the world is shifting to open markets. He said the government will join the TPP negotiations with a tough resolve to protect national interests.

The prime minister announced his decision to enter the TPP talks last week. Japanese businesspeople largely support the move. But others such as farmers are opposed.

Relevant cabinet ministers will hold their first meeting this week to pick a chief negotiator and launch a secretariat.

Officials say they will also try to speed up preliminary talks with the United States and other TPP-member nations, which have yet to approve Japan's participation.

Japan must win approval of all 11 member countries to participate in the negotiations. 6 negotiating countries have already agreed to Japan's participation in the talks.

March 19, 2013

Source: NHK

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