Mustapa: This will ensure timely conclusion of free trade deal negotiation

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said to-date, development at the border areas was quite slow even though they had the potential for cross-border trade with Asean.

PETALING JAYA: With just nine months left to wrap up the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – a free trade deal involving 16 countries with a 3.3 billion population – Asean economic ministers have asked for more intensive consultations to be held.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed (pic), who attended the Asean Economic Ministers retreat in Chiang Mai last week, said the ministers agreed that “slowing down the momentum of the negotiation is not an option”.