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Backgrounder - Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Commission (CPTPP)

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First CPTPP Commission Meeting

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) inaugural Commission meeting took place on January 19, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. The CPTPP ministers and senior officials, representing Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, met to discuss elements needed for effective implementation of the agreement, and how it can be expanded in the future. The Commission adopted a Joint Statement, along with four decisions:  an approach to administering the agreement, rules of procedures for dispute settlement panels, a code of conduct for investor-state dispute settlement, and a process for the accession of new economies to the CPTPP.

Second CPTPP Commission Meeting

The second meeting of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission took place from October 7 to 9, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. The CPTPP senior officials, representing Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, met to monitor and advance the implementation of the CPTPP’s obligations.

The Commission adopted decisions on its Rules of Procedure as well as the establishment of a roster of individuals who may be selected to serve as panel chairs to address state-to-state disputes. The Commission also released a Joint Statement on the outcomes of the meeting.

Third CPTPP Commission Meeting

The third meeting of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission was hosted virtually by Mexico on August 5, 2020. The CPTPP Ministers and senior officials, representing Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, met to discuss CPTPP implementation and expansion, as well as how CPTPP partners could address challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and work towards post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

The Commission affirmed the importance of rules-based trade and discussed ways to support open markets. This includes ongoing work to implement CPTPP provisions that support an inclusive, transparent and predictable business environment, cooperation to build resilient supply chains, and upholding the World Trade Organization as the core of the multilateral trading system. Considering the significant role that digital technology plays, particularly in the context of the global pandemic, the Commission mandated senior officials to work towards establishment of a dedicated body on digital economy.

Fourth CPTPP Commission Meeting

The fourth meeting of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission was hosted virtually by Japan on June 2, 2021 (June 1 Ottawa time). The CPTPP Ministers and senior officials, representing Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, met to discuss the commencement of the accession process with the United Kingdom and to establish an Accession Working Group to conduct the accession negotiations.

The CPTPP Parties reached a decision to commence an accession process with the U.K. and established an Accession Working Group to negotiate the terms of accession. The Commission also adopted a Joint Statement on the outcomes of the meeting.

Fifth CPTPP Commission Meeting

The Fifth Commission Meeting of the CPTPP was hosted virtually by Japan on September 1, 2021 (August 31 Ottawa time). Ministers and senior officials, representing Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, met to welcome Peru's ratification of the Agreement, and discuss CPTPP implementation and expansion. The Commission reaffirmed their commitment to achieve a successful outcome at the 12th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference and took note of the progress to date on the United Kingdom's accession to the CPTPP

CPTPP Parties reached a decision to establish a Committee on Electronic Commerce that will explore ways to promote digitalization within the Asia Pacific region.

Sixth CPTPP Commission Meeting

The Sixth Commission Meeting of the CPTPP was hosted by Singapore on October 8, 2022. Ministers and senior officials, representing Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, met to welcome Malaysia's ratification of the Agreement, and discuss CPTPP implementation and expansion.

The Commission affirmed the importance of cooperation in digital and green economy, and underscored the importance of the CPTPP in supporting global economic recovery. The Commission encouraged work to deepen our economic relationships and trade matters that concern the region, such as building resilient supply chains impacted by the pandemic. The Commission noted the growing interest from aspirant economies to accede to the CPTPP, and for preserving and advancing the CPTPP's high standard rules and comprehensive market access commitments.

Seventh CPTPP Commission Meeting

The Seventh Commission Meeting of the CPTPP was hosted by New Zealand on July 16, 2023. Ministers and senior officials from CPTPP Parties welcomed the ratification and entry into force of the Agreement for Chile and Brunei, signed the Protocol on the Accession of the UK to the CPTPP, discussed the ongoing implementation of the CPTPP, and efforts to ensure the CPTPP remains the “gold standard” for trade agreements.

The Commission recognised the adverse impacts of climate change, and emphasised that the CPTPP should continue to be at the forefront of global efforts to promote mutually supportive trade and environmental policies. The Commission noted ongoing efforts to ensure the CPTPP supports the digital economy and reducing transaction costs. Finally, the Commission noted the interest from aspirant economies to accede to the CPTPP, and for preserving and advancing the CPTPP's high standard rules and comprehensive market access commitments.

CPTPP Ministers breakfast on margins of November 2023 APEC meeting

Ministers from CPTPP Members met on the margins of the APEC meetings in San Francisco on 15 November 2023 to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring the CPTPP remains a dynamic trade agreement. Ministers endorsed the Terms of Reference for the CPTPP General Review which aims to study the Agreement to maximize CPTPP utilisation and uptake, particularly by small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as trade outcomes that support women’s and Indigenous peoples’ economic empowerment, and sustainable environmental practices.

CPTPP Ministers breakfast on margins of May 2024 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade

Ministers from CPTPP Members met on the margins of the APEC meetings in Arequipa, Peru on 18 May 2024 to welcome the progress made to date on the Chair’s three priorities: progressive stewardship (implementation and General Review), comprehensive utilization, and accessions. Ministers reiterated the importance of the General Review in reinforcing the Agreement's effectiveness and relevance, and reaffirmed that the CPTPP welcomes the interest of and remains open to accession by economies that can satisfy the three Auckland Principles. Ministers also expressed their commitment to ensuring the Protocol on the Accession of the United Kingdom to the CPTPP enters into force in 2024.

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