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A series of highly secretive meetings are taking place in Leesburg, Virginia this week between the United States and 8 other Pacific rim countries. The negotiations concern a trade agreement called the Trans Pacific Partnership or TPP, which would, according to Bloomberg, “create the biggest trade zone in US history.” With an agenda focused on furthering corporate interests, the trade negotiations have had virtually no involvement from any public groups, although 600 pro-business lobbyists have been given passwords to view online versions of the negotiations.

Amnesty International, the Sierra Club, the AFL-CIO are among many public interest groups that have voiced serious concerns over the issues being covered in the negotiations and over 130 members of Congress have signed a letter calling for more transparency in the negotiations.

Most of the public’s knowledge about what is being drafted in the TPP has come from leaked documents. Analysis of these documents, shows how the TPP may possibly limit the production of generic drugs and affect free speech on the internet. The closed door talks could also potentially move more American jobs overseas as well as allow foreign corporations to appeal to an international tribunal rather than subject themselves to U.S. laws.

While legislators in Japan are reluctant to join the TPP, Canada and Mexico will become part of the group starting next month and China is currently deciding whether or not to join the group. U.S. officials are promising a public comment period and a congressional review once the talks are complete.

GUEST: Melinda St. Louis, Campaign Director of Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch.

Visit www.tpp2012.com for more information.