TOKYO -- Japan and the European Union wrapped up negotiations Friday on a far-reaching economic partnership agreement that would encompass about 40% of the value of global trade.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker affirmed the move by phone. The finalized pact, which the parties aim to sign next summer at the earliest and have take effect in 2019, would also cover about 30% of the world's gross domestic product.
