He made the comment in parliament after the Mainichi newspaper reported that leaders from member countries were likely to reach a broad agreement as early as on Nov. 15 when they are expected to hold a televised conference.
India, which pulled out of the talks a year ago, was unlikely to join, the report said.
RCEP brings together the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
