After 1 1/2 years of sometimes bitter negotiations, Japan and Mexico agreed Wednesday on a broad accord for a free-trade pact, according to Shoichi Nakagawa, minister of economy, trade and industry.
"We have reached a broad agreement in a package including the industrial sector and other areas," Nakagawa told a news conference following telephone talks with Mexican Economy Secretary Fernando Canales earlier in the day.
The agreement paves the way for the two countries to seal the deal by the end of the month, a deadline proposed by Mexico.
"I have the impression (a final agreement) is not far away," Nakagawa said.