The 11 members of a trans-Pacific free trade agreement on Saturday held their first ministerial meeting since the pact entered into force, discussing its future expansion as well as how to counter the rise of protectionism.

"Our door is open for countries and regions that share our vision and are ready to accept the high-standard rules" of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at the meeting in Tokyo where the delegates launched its decision-making panel.

The challenge for current members is to set procedures to accept newcomers, with the list of countries interested in joining including Thailand and the United Kingdom.