Singapore hopeful for China-backed Asia trade pact this year

Submitted By:  Danielle Isaac Case Study:  No Singapore's trade minister said Wednesday he was hopeful that an Asia-wide trade pact, which is backed by China and excludes the United States, could be sealed by the end of the year. On a visit to Washington, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing said that a clearer picture would emerge on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in May after elections in four countries that are part of it -- India, Australia, Indonesia and Thailand. read more