The Asia Pacific Initiative (API) held a roundtable on September 8, 2025, welcoming  Ms. Jane Mellsop, Director of Trade, Investment and Economic Security of the Asia Society Policy Institute.

The discussion began by examining existing agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Participants considered the limitations of these frameworks and explored how new plurilateral agreements—arrangements at a scale below the World Trade Organization (WTO)—might emerge to fill existing gaps.

The group then turned to the feasibility of sector-specific agreements as an alternative to the comprehensive frameworks discussed earlier. While recognizing that the absence of cross-sectoral bargaining mechanisms may complicate consensus-building in sectoral negotiations, participants nonetheless underscored the importance of pursuing such agreements.

Finally, Ms. Mellsop and participants discussed which countries—or coalitions of countries—might take the lead in advancing new plurilateral initiatives, including the potential role of Japan as a promoter and facilitator.

API experts engaged in a productive exchange of ideas with Ms. Mellsop, with a view to further enhancing a report currently being prepared by the Asia Society Policy Institute

API once again extends its sincere appreciation to Ms. Mellsop for visiting the International House of Japan (IHJ) and contributing to a timely and highly substantive exchange of views.