Nations hoping to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership have begun preparations to ensure acceptance when the trade deal opens to new member states. The TPP currently represents 12 countries that account for nearly 40 percent of global Gross Domestic Product. The National Pork Producers Council says the deal would be the “biggest commercial opportunity ever for U.S. pork producers.” Meanwhile, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister last week stressed the need for the country to improve its competitiveness as part of preparations for joining the TPP. Taiwan’s new president previously indicated she wants the island nation to join the TPP and that the country must resolve issues related to imports of U.S. pork products, including its ban on ractopamine. Along with Thailand and Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Honduras and Colombia have expressed an interest in joining the TPP.