Gov. Scott Walker says that the Trans-Pacific Partnership could be good for the state, but only if the deal is on an "equal playing field."

Trade negotiators from the U.S. and 11 other countries approved the deal this week. If approved by Congress, it could eliminate tariffs on things like food, chemicals and machinery, and would be the first major U.S. trade pact since the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Speaking at a factory in De Pere, Walker said the deal could help Wisconsin's manufacturers. He said more than 90 percent of the world's purchasing power is located outside of the U.S.

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"So, we like the opportunity to have more free trade around the world," said Walker. "This company I'm at here, I've been at their site overseas in Asia. And we see how important that this is for exports."

Critics of the pact said it could cost American jobs, and that some of the member nations have less-than-stellar records on human rights.