Japan on Tuesday said it was delaying a decision on whether or not to join negotiations for a US-backed trans-Pacific free trade pact.

The postponement came as the government reviewed its policy priorities in consideration of the impact of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

At a cabinet meeting Tuesday, the government approved new policy guidelines, including a plan to "consider comprehensively when to make a decision" on whether to enter talks on joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

There is no reference to a specific timing in the new guideline, according to a trade ministry official.

Koichiro Gemba, state minister for national policy, told reporters that strengthening agricultural exports would be difficult near-term.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan has pushed for the country to join the pact despite vehement opposition from farmers fearing cheaper imports, saying his government aimed to make a final decision around June.

For now the TPP has just four signed-up countries -- Brunei, Chile, Singapore and New Zealand -- but five others are in talks to join the group: the United States, Australia, Malaysia, Peru and Vietnam.

channelnewsasia.com