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RCEP conclusion delayed due to 'unique challenges': PM Lee

Participating countries will work towards completion of trade-deal talks by next year instead of end-2018, he adds

Published Wed, Nov 14, 2018 · 09:50 PM

Singapore

THE much-awaited finalisation of the Asean-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will not materialise by the end of 2018 as initially hoped, confirmed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his opening remarks at the 2nd RCEP Summit on Wednesday.

The participating countries will work towards the completion of RCEP talks by next year instead, as negotiations have taken "longer than usual due to the unique challenges" confronting the mega free trade deal, explained Mr Lee.