In January 2017, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order formally ending the United States’ participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), casting doubts as to the future of this long crafted and relevant commercial agreement ever reached in the Asia Pacific region. This decision prompted the need for the 11 remaining members – Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam – to discuss alternatives on how to further proceed with the TPP. Hence, Viña del Mar’s meeting was a clear signal that the TPP goals should move forward and also conveyed a sound reply to the winds of protectionism gliding over the international community. TPP countries had to be flexible with regards to several issues in order to balance and to preserve the essentials of the TPP. Finally on the 8th of March the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership was signed by the Trade Ministers of the 11 countries in Santiago.

Source: Philippine Star March 21, 2018 15:56 UTC