The International Trade and Industry Ministry will start briefing the rural community on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) beginning January.

Its minister Mustapa Mohamed said it was important for farmers, fishermen, breeders, villagers and small and medium enterprises to understand what the TPPA is all about.

Speaking to reporters after a townhall session on TPPA at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan in Kota Baru today, Mustapa said that the ministry would step up briefings for academicians, professionals, students at institutions of higher learning, entrepreneurs, and civil servants.

He said from the briefings and feedback received thus far, many people were now more knowledgeable and understood the benefits of the pact.

"There are less objections towards the TPPA now," Mustafa said, adding that academic and corporate leaders will also be asked to help with the dissemination of information on the TPPA.

- Bernama