Ministers in fresh round of mega-deal trade talks

Singapore

FRESH ministerial talks for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade deal began on Thursday afternoon, with Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing hoping for a clear plan by November.

"The substantial conclusion of RCEP by end-2018 will reaffirm our region's continued support for free trade against the backdrop of rising protectionist sentiments," he told his counterparts, opening discussions on the sidelines of the Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting at the Shangri-La Hotel.