Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The United Arab Emirates and the Philippines have applied to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), according to a report in the Nikkei newspaper citing Japanese government officials who said South Korea is also considering a similar move. 

The report says the Philippines and the UAE submitted application documents in August. The latest applications mark the first since Indonesia’s in September 2024.

The TPP framework eliminates tariffs on a wide range of goods and harmonizes rules on intellectual property and other areas. Twelve countries including Japan are members. Eight other countries and regions, including the Philippines and the UAE, have filed applications and are awaiting negotiations.

To start talks, all 12 current members must agree. The next TPP ministerial meeting, expected later this year, could lead to a decision on new applicants. Negotiations will cover issues such as the extent of tariff elimination, and new membership will be approved only if all members consent. In the case of the UK, it took more than two years between its application and the signing of the accession protocol.