China, Japan and South Korea began the third round of free trade talks in Tokyo on Tuesday. Analysts expect slow progress due to differences in some sensitive industries. No substantial topic is likely to be touched in this round, which finishes Friday.

The three countries are expected to hold working-level talks on 15 categories including intellectual property, while expert dialogues in the areas of food, the environment and e-commerce will also take place. At a preparatory meeting in Seoul last month, the countries agreed the negotiations should be concluded before the end of 2015.

Experts point out agriculture will be the biggest sticking point. Meanwhile, China and South Korea, which are not involved in the ongoing 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations, appear more eager for a deal than Japan.