Japan says 'progress' in ASEAN trade deal

MANILA (AFP) - Japan insisted Tuesday there had been "important progress" on a landmark free-trade deal with Southeast Asia despite few public signs that the accord is moving forward.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been negotiating similar deals with China and South Korea but Japanese businesses in particular have been seen as wary of the approaches of Beijing and Seoul.

"We are still negotiating this agreement. We have had four rounds so far. Very important progress has been made," Japanese foreign ministry spokesman Mitsuo Sakaba said on the sidelines of annual ASEAN meetings in Manila.

"We expect to continue in a positive way so we can reach an agreement," he said.

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, who is hosting the ASEAN talks and a wider regional security meeting, on Monday urged both sides to work to conclude the deal as ASEAN aims for its own free-trade zone by 2015.

The Japan-ASEAN talks have generally shown little progress as Tokyo officials aim to strike a "comprehensive" agreement.

Both sides have promised to sign a deal in November but fears over fast-track negotiation measures have risen among Japanese businesses, which are jittery over China and South Korea's approach toward the region.