Trans Pacific Partnership(TPP) Trade Deal Signed in Auckland,New Zealand Thursday February 04,2016

The Trans Pacific Partnership(TPP), one of the biggest multinational trade deals ever, has been signed on Thursday February 04,2016 by ministers from its 12 member nations in New Zealand

The ceremony in Auckland brings the huge trade pact, which has been five years in the making, another step towards to becoming a reality.

The 12 nations account for some 40% of the world's economy - they now have two years to ratify or reject the pact.

The TPP comprises the US, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Chile and Peru.

Australia's minister for trade Andrew Robb was the first to sign the pact. Those attending the ceremony cheered as his counterpart, New Zealand trade minister Todd McClay, added the last signature.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key with Japan's Minister of Cabinet Office Shuichi Takatori after the TPP signing  

 

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Ministerial Representatives from 12 countries pose for a photo after signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement in Auckland

The US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership, one of the biggest trade deals in history, was signed in New Zealand on Thursday Feb 4,2016 by all 12 member nations amid loud protests.
While New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and US Trade Representative Mike Froman led the ceremony at Auckland's Sky City Convention Centre, protestors blocked roads outside.
 

Anti-TPP protestors in Auckland blocked streets and footpaths outside the Sky City convention centre as Thursday's signing ceremony went ahead.  

 

 

 Protesters are worried that the TPP is less about jobs and more about big business and corporate greed