RECP is indeed a big thing. Next China will consolidate it, starting with Mekong states.
Inevitably, Vietnam will be drawn further into Sinosphere.
China has no interest in Indonesia. Proabably Indonesia can take Papua (non RECP) and Malaysia.
Singapore is a interesting player. Cant say where she will be pivoting. Probably Singapore will be perpetual swing state.
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RCEP is the door for those countries to enter 1.4 Billion People Market with BOOMING economy.
M'sia optimistic RCEP will serve as economic recovery tool amid Covid-19 pandemic, says Azmin
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is optimistic that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, scheduled to be inked this Sunday (Nov 15), would serve as one of the economic recovery tools amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali
(pic) said the implementation of the agreement would help ensure the opening of markets as well as uninterrupted supply chains.
"During this difficult time, I believe it is imperative that we act in solidarity in order for the Asean Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) to materialise," he said Wednesday (Nov 11).
Azmin issued the statement after attending the final ministerial level meeting for the RCEP Agreement with 14 other ministers, including Asean-FTA partners, on Wednesday morning.
It was also in line with the ACRF, as one of the broad strategies to maximise the potential of the intra-Asean market and broader integration initiatives, he said.
By endorsing the RCEP Agreement, Asean would prove to the world that it supported free trade, and opposed protectionism policies, he added.
Azmin said all the RCEP participating countries (RPCs) had concluded negotiations after eight long years, and would finally endorse the Agreement at the 4th RCEP Summit this Sunday.
"After eight years of negotiating, we have finally come to the moment where we will seal the RCEP Agreement this Sunday.
"It would demonstrate to the world that Asean, together with the Asean FTA (Free Trade Agreement) partners, says no to protectionism, and yes to free trade," he said.
Azmin also said the RCEP would reflect commitment to multilateral trading systems, as well as to the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) development agenda.
"The history of the RCEP negotiations has been a long and arduous journey but finally we are at the finish line," he said.
Azmin said it showed that Malaysia and other RCEP countries chose to open up their markets instead of resorting to protectionist measures during these difficult times.
"This is also consistent with the business support measures announced in Malaysia’s Budget 2021.
"No doubt, RPCs would be able to ride on the economic value chains generated with this agreement, which will enhance regional economic integration with many multiplier effects," he said.
The benefits include an expanded customer base comprising one-third of the global population.
"We would also be able to see the easing of non-tariff measures, including harmonisation of rules and standards related to trade to facilitate cross-border trade within the region," he said.
Azmin expressed optimism that the region could attract greater investments by endorsing the RCEP agreement.
"The agreement further demonstrates Asean’s centrality in shaping the global trade agenda.
"It is also imperative that all RPCs endorse the interim joint committee so as to ensure the smooth and swift implementation of the agreement," he said.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nat...covery-tool-amid-covid-19-pandemic-says-azmin
Prosperity for All Asian, from Malaysia