Vietnam attaches great importance to its role as ASEAN Chair 2020, and wishes to build a strong ASEAN Community which is resilient to regional and global challenges, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Quốc Dũng has said.
Cambodian garment and rice industries expect a potential Cambodia- Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) free trade agreement (FTA) to diversify the country’s export market. Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia secretary general Ken Loo said the garment and footwear sectors would gain a new market if an FTA is signed, but it is not clear when that will be signed.
Thailand's trade negotiation chief vows next year will see the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the wrapping up of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Turkey, and opening FTA talks with the EU and the UK.
Mr Jurin says Thailand also wants to conclude FTA negotiations with Turkey next year and speed up talks with Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
India opted out from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) at the 3rd RCEP summit held in Bangkok in November 2019, at least until some of its core concerns are addressed. The fear of an import surge into India — particularly from China — as a result of the trade agreement was a major concern. There was difficulty negotiating rules of origin and safeguard measures, as well as service sector market access commitments. Some in India held the view that the impact of the trade pact on farming communities and small-scale industries would be adverse.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the call of not joining the RCEP agreement on November 4 in Bangkok, as India's concerns were not addressed in the pact.
As a major regional investor and security partner, Tokyo is stepping up
Japanese trade minister Hiroshi Kajiyama on Tuesday offered to help India resolve "outstanding issues" that pushed the South Asian country toward withdrawing from a sprawling Asia-Pacific free trade agreement.
<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
