NEW ORLEANS - One of the negotiators for Pacific Rim trade talks says that since the agreement was worked out, about 13 other countries have asked for information about the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and some of them wanted to join it.

Robert Holleyman says he told them it's too late to join the 12 nations in this treaty. But he says the interest shows there's a great chance to extend standards that it sets, including environmental protection and bans on child and forced labor.

Getting the agreement approved by Congress is one of President Barack Obama's top priorities for his final year in office.

Holleyman spoke to port officials and business representatives at a luncheon roundtable Tuesday.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu urged participants to encourage members of Congress to support the agreement.