New Zealand businesses are planning a "fighting fund" for a pro-TPP campaign once a deal is finished and in the public arena, Prime Minister John Key was told.

President Barack Obama emerged from a meeting of leaders involved in the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, including Prime Minister John Key, adamant the deal would be done.

After falling out of favour during the global economic turmoil, Apec's propensity for dressing up its leaders in "silly shirts" returned with gusto.

Prime Minister John Key is signalling it is crunch time for the Trans Pacific Partnership talks and countries need to decide if they are in or out.

Apec's focus is trade liberalisation, writes Audrey Young. The East Asia Summit focus is wider; leaders will talk about regional questions of the moment, including security issues such as North Korea.

Prime Minister John Key says there is only one chance to get a comprehensive Trans Pacific Partnership and it would be worth waiting a little longer to get one.

The name of the beer here in Bali is a tad corny, Bali Hai, the haunting tune from the musical South Pacific.

John Key met President Xi of China last night - and the PM says the fact he was so well briefed on the Fonterra food scare shows how seriously China took it.

When Caroline Kennedy appeared at a United States' Senate confirmation hearing, it was no surprise the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations was raised.

Clear cut results are thin on the ground but Prime Minister John Key said today he was happy with this year's Apec economic meeting in Vladivostok, Russia.

A proposed Trans Pacific Partnership is the top trade priority for Barack Obama and John Key.