Minister: RCEP talks expected to conclude by year-end
The Star Online (02/10/2019) - KUALA LUMPUR: International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking has expressed optimism that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations can conclude by year-end.
He was confident that outstanding matters such as market access would continue to enjoy progress and would not hold back announcement of a substantive conclusion to RCEP talks next month.
A statement issued by the International Trade and Industry Ministry said nine chapters have concluded since July 2018, which included Customs Procedure and Trade Facilitation, Government Procurement, Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures, Telecommunication Services and Intellectual Property Rights.
The statement also said Malaysia’s participation in RCEP is based on solidarity with Asean and the belief in fair trade, mutually beneficial to all countries involved.
“This includes taking into consideration domestic sensitivities, constitutional constraints and different levels of economic development.
“Malaysia fully shares the aspiration of Asean member countries to achieve the conclusion of RCEP and deepen regional integration with its economic partners, ” it added.
RCEP involves the Asean 10 countries and its FTA partners – Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. The RCEP trade negotiating committee just concluded their 28th meeting in Danang, Vietnam last week.