MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe confirmed Monday that twelve countries of the Pacific Rim had reached an agreement on the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership.
"I was informed… that a comprehensive agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership has been reached," Abe was quoted as saying by Japan's national broadcaster NHK.
The controversial trade pact is expected to cover about 40 percent of the global economy. Uncertain implications for workers’ rights, employment, copyrights, sovereignty and the environment have drawn heavy criticism from many members of government, as well as labor unions and watchdogs.
The deal is expected to be voted on in the US Congress early next year. US President Barack Obama said in a statement earlier in the day that his administration will work with Congress on the TPP deal to ensure its ratification.
