The deadline represents an effort by negotiators to tally how many states will join the pact.

WSJ: Friday Is Deadline for States on Foreclosure Pact

Gap Inc. reiterated Wednesday that it couldn't join the pact unless a provision was made that it felt would free it from any legal liability.

WSJ: Trade group slams safety pact for Bangladesh

Mrs Merkel has invited all to join the competitiveness pact.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

Last year China made a substantially improved offer to join the GPA. The EU has concluded a trade pact with South Korea and is negotiating with India, Canada and others.

ECONOMIST: Charlemagne

Friday's meeting was an opportunity for the U.S. to gauge Tokyo's intent to join negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, a regionwide free-trade pact pushed by Washington.

NPR: PM Says 'Japan's Back,' Vows Stronger Ties With US