Japan is planning to underline the importance of free trade when finance chiefs from major economies gather for the Group of 20.
The two-day meeting kicks off in the city of Fukuoka on Saturday. It will be the first time for Japan to host a G20.
The finance ministers and central bank governors are expected to discuss trade and investment imbalances, a major factor behind current global tensions.
G20 members have clashing views on free trade. In the joint statement issued after the meeting, China and European members want to include a call against protectionism, in light of recent tariff hikes by the United States.
The US, which is currently locked in a trade war with China, reportedly wants to stress that it is against unfair trade practices.
Japanese officials are coordinating last-ditch, working-level meetings with the aim of reaching a consensus by the time the statement is released.
NHK
