US, 11 other countries sign free-trade deal in New Zealand

The list includes: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan.

The agreement covers a region responsible for about one-third of all world trade, although noticeably missing from the agreement is China, which is forging ahead with its own trade deals.

However, protesters argue it will cost jobs and impact on sovereignty in Asia-Pacific states.

Maori join protestors marching down Queen Street opposing the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement in Auckland, New Zealand, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016.

Australia’s Trade Minister Andrew Robb said the TPP would see the elimination of 98 percent of tariffs among the 12 states.

Portman is seeking a second term in an industrial state where many workers blame job losses on previous trade deals such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The rally was part of a national day of action against the TPP, which member nations signed today after seven years of negotiation. “Our focus now turns to the completion of our respective domestic processes”.

He also adds that the TPP will be very beneficial in providing a lot better access to goods and services for more than 800 million people across and the TPP countries, it also makes up for better goods and services for more than 800 millions across the TPP countries that make up to nearly 36 percent of the global GDP.

Tens of thousands of protested in Auckland as the deal was being signed.

Other Asian economies, including Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand, have shown interest in joining the group.

Mr McClay said the government would spend most of this year talking to New Zealanders further about TPP’s benefits and addressing some of their concerns. But those against it say it will allow big corporations to charge more for things like medicine, and to sue governments over policies they don’t like.

The participating countries signed the TPP today in New Zealand, taking another step toward ratification and implementation of the agreement. “No we won’t, because they’re all the usual suspects, I’ve got to say”, he told ABC.