Release of Pacific trade text opens fight for ratification

WASHINGTON: The long-secret text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade deal was released Thursday to support from business but vows by labor, environmental and health groups in many countries to fight ratification.
The massive document, posted online by several governments, offered the first detailed look at the world´s biggest free trade area, which aims to break down barriers to commerce and investment between 12 countries comprising about 40 percent of the global economy.
US President Barack Obama, who strongly pushed the TPP as a foundation for "21st century trade," heralded the pact as a boost to the US economy while protecting workers and the environment.
Obama, who could struggle to get Congress´s endorsement of the deal, said it "means that America will write the rules of the road in the 21st century" rather than China, which is not part of the TPP.
"It´s the highest standard trade agreement in history," he said.
Australia´s Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb said the released documents show "the broad benefits the TPP will bring to our businesses, farmers, manufacturers and world-class service providers."
In Chile, senior international trade official Andres Rebolledo said the text would show Chileans that the lengthy negotiations concluded last month in Atlanta, Georgia "have meant a beneficial and balanced agreement for our country."