
The Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership between New Zealand, Chile, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam (P4) entered into force in 2006, with negotiations for chapters on Investment and Financial Services to take place within two years. The Investment and Financial Services negotiations are scheduled to get under way in the first quarter of 2008.
The P4 agreement was designed to allow participation by others in the region. The United States will participate in the Investment and Financial Services negotiations alongside the existing P4 partners and is beginning a process aimed at possible participation in a comprehensive free trade agreement with the P4 partners.