Japan seeks to host secretariat for CPTPP trade pact

International relationsAdministrative unit seen supporting applications, pact revisions, talks with other blocsMembers of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership agreed in November to create an administrative support unit. (Photo by Rurika Imahashi)TETTA OIKESeptember 1, 2026 02:35 JSTTOKYO -- Japan will offer to house a proposed permanent secretariat for the CPTPP, seeking to take the initiative in expanding the Asia-Pacific trade bloc by offering streamlined reviews of the growing number of membership applications.