TOKYO: Japan’s parliament approved on Wednesday the world’s largest free trade deal, signed by 15 Asia-Pacific countries including China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, raising the possibility for the pact to enter into force later this year.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will create a free trade zone covering about 30% of the world’s gross domestic product, trade and population. It will be Japan’s first trade deal involving both China and South Korea — its largest and third biggest trade partners.
The pact, signed by…
