<h1>Two governments close to finalizing first-phase bilateral trade agreement after five negotiation rounds, mostly drafting details remain</h1> Two governments signaled they are very near to concluding a proposed bilateral trade agreement after completing five rounds of talks for the pact's first phase; negotiators report convergence on most issues and are primarily finalizing drafting language. Officials said negotiations are progressing with no significant new obstacles and few remaining differences to resolve. The process appears focused on ironing out technical text and closing minor gaps to reach a near-term agreement.