ASEAN


Singapore, India trade pact review: tariff cuts, flexible rules of origin announced under CECA
Singapore and India have concluded the second review of their preferential trade pact – the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
Malaysia keen to avoid China's Belt Road Initiative tangle
The Government of Malaysia has said that while it has good bilateral relations with China, it would not be keen to go overboard in getting involved in Beijing's BRI.
China's New Silk road faces resistance from India, partners
The highly ambitious Belt and Road Initiative promises to fortify China as an economic superpower. But negotiations around the Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar Economic Corridor are proving contentious.
Can RCEP negotiations be concluded by end-2018?
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) inched closer to completion last March when the ministers of all 16 countries met in Singapore for their fourth intersessional meeting. Next up on the almanac for leaders is a ministerial meeting which will be held in Tokyo on 1 July.
Chinese officials to visit India to discuss RCEP issues, says Prabhu
Chinese officials will visit India soon to hold bilateral discussions on the issues hampering the negotiations of the proposed mega free trade deal -- Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu said.
ASEAN official media statement on RCEP intersession in Singapore
Joint media statement on the 4th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) intersessional ministerial meeting.
New government still deciding to pursue trade pact
The Malaysian government will review several trade agreements such as Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to see if its viable to be part of the trade partnerships.
Local metal output hits FTA roadblock
According to the recently published report by the NITI Aayog on FTAs states that India’s exports to FTA countries have not outperformed overall export growth or exports to the rest of the world; and also FTAs have led to increased imports and exports; the former has been greater.
Perspectives on Pacific geopolitics
The rise of China in the Indo-Pacific has also challenged the long-standing dominance of US in Asia. Therefore, political uncertainty in the US, rapid economic growth, China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its growing assertiveness, and erosion of ASEAN unity – among others – has compelled India to step up its contribution to a region that is also of vital economic interest to India.
China joins ASEAN countries' chorus for free trade
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday pledged to jointly promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), so as to inject positive energy into the world economy.