The Trans Pacific Partnership, one of the biggest multinational trade deals ever, has been signed by ministers from its 12 member nations in New Zealand.
The ceremony in Auckland brings the huge trade pact, which has been five years in the making, another step towards to becoming a reality.
But the TPP continues to face opposition.
The 12 nations account for some 40% of the world’s economy – they now have two years to ratify or reject the pact.
Australia’s minister for trade Andrew Robb was the first to sign the pact. Those attending the ceremony cheered as his counterpart, New Zealand trade minister Todd McClay, added the last signature.
The TPP involves the US, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Chile and Peru.
Those against the deal, particularly some Americans, fear it could mean jobs will move from the US to developing countries.
