
SYDNEY -- The 11-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement will come into force on Dec. 30, the pact's secretariat New Zealand announced on Wednesday.
Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker said that six member states have ratified the pact. The trade deal takes effect 60 days after at least six countries complete the ratification process. It will come into force on Dec. 30, Parker said. This would be half a month sooner than previously expected.