RCEP deal yet to be finalised, will be signed only in February: Philippines

Bloomberg News reported this week that India made last-minute demands after it earlier agreed to terms of a deal

Negotiations on a 16-nation trade deal spanning much of Asia won’t be completed until February, Philippine Trade Minister Ramon Lopez said, damping expectations that an agreement would be announced on Monday.

“The leaders will have to have the final report from the ministers,” Lopez told reporters on Saturday in Bangkok, where leaders are gathering for a summit hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Negotiators then will get a further mandate “to conclude it and sign it next year,” he said, adding that it’s “nearing conclusion.”

Lopez said that one country he didn’t identify wanted to “have confirmation before they can