Ottawa has been aggressively seeking trade deals in recent years, especially in Asia (some examples include an investment treaty with China, a full free-trade agreement with South Korea, and a dedicated ambassador to ASEAN in Southeast Asia).
A free-trade deal with Japan — the third-largest economy globally — would be a significant accomplishment for the Harper government. It is expected that, whatever the TPP turns out to be, it will play a big role in defining a potential bilateral Canada-Japan deal.
Currently, while there are 12 economies involved in TPP negotiations, most observers would put the focus on negotiations between the United States and Japan, the two largest economies involved. Experts, like former TPP negotiator and retired diplomat Shotaro Oshima, say the bilateral talks between Washington and Tokyo remain the backbone of the deal.
More @ Vancouver Sun
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