CPTPP ministers convene 9th Council meeting in Melbourne, launch new accession talks
Ministers at the 9th CPTPP meeting agreed to advance new accession talks as Vietnam prepared to assume the 2026 Chairmanship with key priorities.Ministers at the 9th CPTPP meeting agreed to advance new accession talks as Việt Nam prepared to assume the 2026 Chairmanship with key priorities.
The ninth meeting of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission and a series of related events took place from November 20-21, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Ministers and senior officials from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom attended the session. The Vietnamese delegation was led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, accompanied by representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Public Security, as well as relevant units under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Minister Nguyen Hong Dien attends the 9th CPTPP Ministerial Commission Meeting. Photo: Nguyen Minh
During the two-day meeting, ministers and senior officials reviewed and aligned on a range of key matters, including the scope of issues for a potential upgrade of the agreement, Costa Rica’s accession process, the initiation of accession talks with several other economies, and the overall implementation status of the pact. Members also heard Việt Nam present its organizational plan and priority agenda for 2026, when Việt Nam assumes the CPTPP chairmanship. Notably, Vietnam’s proposal to establish a CPTPP Support Unit-aimed at addressing resource constraints in implementing the agreement-received strong endorsement from all member economies.
At the conclusion of the meeting, ministers adopted the Joint Statement of the 9th CPTPP Commission and instructed technical teams to promptly carry out the agreed tasks. They also agreed to launch accession negotiations with Uruguay, and to begin talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Philippines, and Indonesia in 2026 when appropriate.
Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and the MOIT delegation attend the event. Photo: Nguyen Minh
On the sidelines, CPTPP - EU and CPTPP - ASEAN trade and investment dialogues were held - an initiative designed to enhance connectivity between CPTPP members, the European Union, and ASEAN amid heightened global economic uncertainty.
The Vietnamese delegation, led by Minister Dien, actively contributed to discussions and was highly appreciated by participating members. Minister Diên also held bilateral meetings with New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union to discuss shared concerns and promote deeper economic and trade cooperation.
Minister Nguyen Hong Dien meets Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, on the sidelines of the meeting. Photo: Nguyen Minh
In his remarks at the closing session, Vietnam Industry and Trade Minister Nguyen Hong Dien invited member economies to attend the 2026 CPTPP Chairmanship year in Việt Nam, saying the country would deliver: "Finally, I would like to extend a warm invitation to all of you to visit Việt Nam in 2026, where we can work together to advance and realize the progress we have achieved so far. Việt Nam is a country of breathtaking natural landscapes, a rich and distinctive culture, and a peaceful, friendly, and warm-hearted people. We are committed to delivering a memorable CPTPP Chairmanship year - diverse, creative, and full of meaningful experiences - so that you not only work effectively but also enjoy unforgettable moments with our nation and its people.
Once again, I sincerely thank Australia for an excellent Chairmanship term and express my gratitude to all member economies for placing their trust in Việt Nam. Farewell to Australia, and welcome to Vietnam - 2026”.
The 10th CPTPP Ministerial Commission meeting is scheduled to take place in 2026, with Vietnam serving as Chair and Australia and Peru as Vice-Chairs.
