'Framework' agreed on Asia-Pacific trade deal without US

Canada's trade minister hailed "big progress" Saturday in talks to revive a huge Pacific trade deal abandoned by the United States earlier this year, saying remaining members had agreed to a new framework after days of stalled talks.

In a tweet early Saturday, Francois-Philippe Champagne shared a statement saying his government had agreed to "a framework for a new Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership" after holding out for strict labour and environmental clauses put into jeopardy by America's sudden withdrawl from the deal.

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Source: AFP