RCEP

NEW GLOBAL ORDER

Strengthening Asean’s economic resilience through RCEP’s 2027 review

Malaysia said the adoption of electronic data exchange will further streamline trade activities through secure, encrypted information-sharing between relevant authorities in both countries.

Malaysia, China to exchange trade certificates electronically from 2026

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says: “The RCEP agreement keeps alive the promise that countries can achieve more together than alone."

RCEP members must strengthen, expand and improve trade pact to stay relevant: PM Wong

Tengku Zafrul said given Asean and RCEP members all supported multilateralism, he was not worried about the meeting being “hijacked” by China.

Malaysia says RCEP bloc to consider adding new members, improve trade deal

China and Asean have insisted on multilateral cooperation to maintain the stability and smooth operation of regional industrial chains.

China pushing Asean to seal trade pact upgrade as US tariffs bite

Singapore’s manufacturing is focused on high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, precision engineering, med-tech, as well as pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

US reshoring spurs opportunities for Singapore in semiconductor, med-tech, other high tech sectors: RHB

At a time of rising protectionism, pursuing open trade requires the establishment of a special green free-trade arrangement, involving sharp reductions in tariffs and non-tariff barriers on goods and services that deliver environmental and climate benefits.

Green free trade in a protectionist age

A man reading a Vietnamese newspaper with a front page story on the inauguration of US President Donald Trump; while Trump's earlier threats of tariffs are not off the negotiating table yet, pundits say Asean now has more leverage.

Asean readies for Trump’s tariff tantrums, trade turmoil

Hong Kong is among the regional players flocking to join RCEP, which has been dubbed a “game-changer” for regional trade.

RCEP: High hopes, disappointing start

US President Joe Biden (right) and China's President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the G20 Summit in November 2022. Current indications are that Xi will likely attend the upcoming Apec summit next month, though American officials say nothing is yet definite.
THE BOTTOM LINE

Reading the Xi leaves: A Biden meeting good for everyone