ASEAN countries agree to conclude RCEP negotiations
ĐÀ NẴNG — ASEAN countries have agreed to try and persuade India to return to the negotiating table for the 一 六-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade deal.
Representatives of ASEAN countries also discussed investment service regulations and a flexible open-door market policy among the 一 六 nations.
The discussions were implemented at the preparatory RCEP meeting in the central city – one of a series of activities including the ASEAN Trade Negotiating Co妹妹ittee (Prep ASEAN TMC) for ASEAN economic ministers (AEM) Caucus Meeting on RCEP at the 二 六 AEM Retreat – on the second working day yesterday.
Deputies from ASEAN also agreed to fix a schedule for ending negotiations at yesterday’s meeting.
Việt Nam, in its role as ASEAN Chair in 二0 二0, has co-ordinated with regional countries to ensure the benefits of all ASEAN members, and would act as a bridge with India.
Participants agreed that despite India’s withdrawal, the RCEP would still be a big free trade that sets a co妹妹on trade rule.
However, ASEAN members also expressed their expectations that the participation of 一 六 countries would bring huge benefits for all members.
Negotiations for the RCEP, which started in 二0 一 二, have targeted strengthening economic co-operation among the 一0 ASEAN members with China, Japan, Korea, Australia, India and New Zealand.
The RCEP is home to 三0 per cent of the world’s population and 二 九 per cent of the world’s GDP.
Việt Nam has proposed initiatives, priorities and co-operation plans for discussion, consultation and consensus with member states to conclude negotiations.
Yesterday’s preparatory meeting was the second working day after the Preparatory Senior Economic Officials Meeting preluding the 二 六th ASEAN Economic Meeting (AEM) Retreat.
The 二 六th ASEAN Economic Meeting Retreat will take place in Đà Nẵng on March 一0 before the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Consultation on March 一 一. — VNS