TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and a top Japanese official said Wednesday they still hope to bridge significant differences over opening markets under an ambitious pan-Pacific trade pact.

Froman and Japanese economy minister Akira Amari were meeting in Tokyo after talks earlier in the week appeared to stall. A meeting planned between Froman and Japan’s trade minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, was cancelled, according to the ministry for unspecified reasons.