TOKYO, Dec. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Japan and Mexico are unlikely to signa free trade agreement (FTA) early next year due to wide differences on key issues, a top Japanese trade official said Monday.

    "Considering domestic conditions in both countries, I do not think there will be rapid development," Vice Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Seiji Murata said at a news conference.

    His comments came after officials of both counties failed Sunday to reach consensus on some key items in Mexico. Disagreements on five farm products, including pork and orange juice, remained main barriers for such an agreement.

    The two sides had planned to sign a FTA during Mexican President Vicente Fox's visit to Japan in mid-October. But the effort ran aground over farm trade.

    Murata, however, said the bilateral talks helped to deepen mutual understanding. "We want to negotiate tenaciously," he said.

    The two sides are hoping to have another round of talks by the end of January.

    Japan has reached such an agreement with Singapore. In a special summit meeting between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Thursday and Friday, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and leaders of Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand agreed to start talks on the issue from early next year. Enditem