Thailand is expected to make a decision on whether to join the 11-member Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in April, according to Economic Revitalization Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, with its inclusion possibly achieved as early as 2021.
If Thailand joins the pact, it would be the first new addition to the partnership since its formation.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak met Nishimura in Tokyo on Monday and told the economic revitalization minister that Thailand had been discussing the impact of joining the pact, formally known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
"He told me that positive coordination was underway in Thailand and that the country might make a formal decision around April," Nishimura said at a press conference after the meeting.
Thailand is expected to notify pact members of its intention to join the partnership before the TPP committee meeting in Mexico in August. The committee will then decide whether to start negotiations with Thailand.
Japan will support Thailand's bid by providing the country with information and hopes that Thailand's membership will be finalized at the committee next year when it is chaired by Japan.
Thailand has already concluded an economic partnership agreement (EPA) with Japan and has become a major production base for Japanese automakers.
"Joining the TPP will make the supply chain more diverse and robust. It will greatly benefit Japanese industries," Nishimura said.
After the United States withdrew from the TPP, the partnership entered into force on Dec. 30, 2018, with six of the remaining 11 countries, including Japan, Mexico and Australia.
At present, the TPP has entered into force in seven countries. The remaining countries -- Malaysia, Brunei, Peru and Chile -- have yet to complete their domestic procedures regarding the agreement.
Even if the TPP does not come into effect in those four countries, it would be possible for the other members to negotiate with Thailand.
However, Nishimura said, "It is desirable that the partnership enters into force in as many countries as possible before we start negotiations with Thailand," indicating that Japan is likely to continue urging the four countries to put the pact into effect as soon as possible.
Britain, which left the EU at the end of January, has also expressed an interest in joining the TPP.
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