TOKYO -- The Japanese government is working to have a retooled version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the multilateral trade and investment agreement abandoned by the U.S, signed by early March.
But labor rights and other issues remain sticking points to the 11-member TPP taking effect in 2019 as hoped. The debate since U.S. President Donald Trump announced America's withdrawal early this year has revolved around freezing provisions sought by Washington during lengthy negotiations, which culminated in an agreement under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama.
