CPTPP's attraction before the 'wave' of accession

(Chinhphu.vn) - With a market of nearly 600 million people, contributing about 15% of global GDP, CPTPP is becoming a "peaceful harbor" where many economic ships want to anchor amid the storms from current global trade tensions.

The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), according to Japanese government officials. South Korea is also considering a similar move.

In August 2025, the Philippines and the UAE submitted applications to New Zealand, which serves as the agreement’s administrative center. The latest applications mark the first since Indonesia submitted its application in September 2024.

The CPTPP framework eliminates tariffs on many goods and harmonizes rules on intellectual property and other areas.

The agreement currently has 12 member countries. Costa Rica is in the process of joining. Eight other countries and regions, including the Philippines and the UAE, have applied and are in negotiations.

To begin negotiations, all 12 current members must agree. The next CPTPP ministerial meeting, expected later this year, could decide on new candidates.

Negotiations will cover issues such as the extent of tariff elimination and new membership will only be approved if all members agree.

In the case of the UK, it took more than two years from the application to the signing of the accession protocol.

Established in 2018 and contributing about 15% of global GDP, CPTPP currently brings together two members of the Group of Seven (G7), Canada and Japan, along with the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Under this agreement, member countries cut tariffs and facilitate the flow of goods and investment within the bloc.

An Binh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/suc-hut-cptpp-truoc-lan-song-gia-nhap-102251104085415017.htm