Substantial Asia-Pacific RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) deal by year-end appears unlikely

Japan, China and 14 other Asia-Pacific countries are unlikely to meet their goal of reaching a substantial conclusion on the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership free trade pact by the end of the year, a Japanese trade ministry official said.

Leaders of the 16 countries, set to meet in Singapore on Wednesday, are unlikely to declare that the RCEP talks have reached a substantial conclusion, the official said Monday.

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