This is considered the last round of talks for the trade pact initiated in 2012 and involving 10 ASEAN member States and their six dialogue partners, namely China, Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
Negotiations have reached a critical milestone as the deadline for the conclusion of negotiations draws near, according to the Joint Media Statement released following the 7th RCEP ministerial meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on September 8.
The RCEP ministers committed to avail negotiators with the necessary resources and mandate to bring negotiations to a close.
RCEP is considered the world’s largest regional trade agreement as it covers a market of almost half of the world’s population and around one third of global gross domestic product./.
By Huong Giang