The 12 countries involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiations launched a fresh round of talks Monday with expectations for progress as Japan and the United States move closer to resolving thorny bilateral issues.

Their chief negotiators began the four-day meeting in Ho Chi Minh City and will follow it up with a ministerial gathering in Singapore from May 19 to 20.

The TPP members failed to reach a broad agreement at their last ministerial session in February in Singapore due to Japan-U.S. bickering over market access for farm products and autos — their biggest sticking points.

More at the Japan Times