Robb in Malaysia for trade talks

The trade minister will meet with officials from the Asia-Pacific, including China, India and Japan, for talks on a free trade agreement.

Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb during negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (File/AAP) Source: AAP

Trade Minister Andrew Robb is advancing talks on a 16-bloc Asian free trade pact.

The minister is expected in Kuala Lumpur on Monday for negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, which is considered a step towards a broader Asian free trade agreement.

The meeting will involve some of Australia's biggest regional trading partners, including China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.

Mr Robb says the pact could make it easier for Australian firms to provide goods and services demanded by Asia's rising middle classes.