FOCUS: Virus pandemic may force Japan to give up RCEP agreement in 2020

With the new coronavirus pandemic hindering the progress of talks for the world's biggest free trade pact involving 16 Asia-Pacific countries, Japan may be forced to give up reaching the deal this year in the face of domestic opposition.Japan is likely to place a top priority on shoring up the nation's virus-hit economy for an extended period, which would make it more difficult for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to promote free trade agreements including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.Expanding free trade is certain to undermine profits of some sectors in Japan, such as agricult…READ FULL ARTICLE