TPP free trade pact talks edging close to the finishing line

TALKS on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) are deep in the final stretch, with the 12 economies involved in the ambitious free trade pact - including Singapore - looking to close the deal by the end of the year.

The chief negotiators of each country arrived in Bali earlier this week to work on the final preparations ahead of the meeting of their respective trade ministers, which began yesterday.

The ministers will then report to their leaders, who will gather in the Indonesian resort island next Monday and Tuesday, with the plan being to reach a broad agreement.