The ambitious Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), which represents 40 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, is gaining more momentum with at least five more countries keen to join the United States-led pact.

Ever since the completion and publication of the trade pact’s text the "noise" over it has died down quiet a bit, International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said.

"More people have better understanding of the trade pact now, including in Malaysia, he said.

"This was revealed in my discussions and bilateral meetings with some TPPA member counterparts," Mustapa ( photo ) told reporters on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Ministerial Meeting in Manila yesterday.

In fact, he said, five countries, which included some Asean members, were keen to join the trade pact, which would form the largest free trade area ever created.

"Some of the countries are seeking Malaysia’s support to join TPPA," he said, adding that those who were previously sceptical about it were feeling comfortable now after the text was released.

Asked why these countries were showing a sudden interest to join the TPPA, Mustapa said: "One country mentioned that it had no other choice as many other countries have done the same and it does not want to be left out."

Seen as a 'building block'

Besides, the TPPA is also seen as a building block towards a tariff free zone in Asia-Pacific, he said.

However, Mustapa declined to disclose the new countries that wanted to join the partnership.

Apec consist of 21 members namely, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong-China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taipei, Thailand, United States and Vietnam.

Out of the 21 countries, 12 are members of the TPPA.

Apec members that are not in TPPA are China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Taiwan and Thailand.

The leaders of the TPPA member countries are set to meet on the sidelines of the Apec meeting - the first since the completion and publication of the text.

They are expected to pledge their respective commitment for the pact.

- Bernama