Pressing need to conclude RCEP as soon as possible


Key meeting: Trade ministers attend the 3rd Inter-sessional Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting in Hanoi. — Reuters

TWO important meetings by Asia Pacific trade ministers have taken place in Hanoi – one an attempt to revive a free trade deal and the other to take stock of another trade agreement still being negotiated. Both are mega deals.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is now in limbo after the withdrawal of the United States. The 11 countries left, including Malaysia, are still figuring out whether to continue with it.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Government , RCEP deadline

Next In Columnists

Why aren’t we angry anymore?
How not to get shortchanged in the bedroom
No more ‘Game of Thrones’
Lessons from Iran for Malaysia
A tale of two nails
Raising the bar for a dignified retirement
Mismatched signals from Umno top guns
Time for a sea change in urban life
The stage is for Malaysia if Indian meet venue is ‘unsafe’
Who watches the Watchmen?�

Others Also Read