The 15th ASEAN Economic Ministers–Russia Consultation, held in Manila, endorsed the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Programme on Trade and Investment Cooperation for 2026–2035, establishing a renewed framework for bilateral trade and investment relations. ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn participated in the meeting.
Topic Archives:Fta
Indonesia Chairs 5th RCEP Ministers’ Meeting, Emphasizes Importance of Increasing RCEP Utilization
Indonesia’s Deputy Trade Minister chaired the 5th RCEP Ministers’ Meeting in Pasay City alongside New Zealand’s co-chair, focusing on regional and global economic developments within the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers meeting. Indonesia emphasized increasing RCEP utilization among member states. The meeting reviewed implementation progress of the RCEP agreement.
Joint Media Statement of the Twenty-Second AEM-EU Trade Commissioner Consultation
The 22nd ASEAN Economic Ministers–EU Trade Commissioner Consultation was held on 22 September 2026 in Manila, co-chaired by Philippines DTI Secretary Roque and EU Trade Commissioner Juul Jørgensen. The meeting addressed ASEAN-EU trade and economic relations, likely covering FTA negotiations, market access, and regulatory issues. A joint media statement was issued outlining outcomes of the […]
23rd AEM-India Consultation Discusses ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Review
The 23rd ASEAN Economic Ministers-India Consultation was held in Manila, with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn participating. The meeting reviewed progress on the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) review process. Ministers reaffirmed commitment to advancing the review.
Substantial agreement on EU-Philippines trade deal
The EU and the Philippines reached substantial agreement on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, marking a key milestone in negotiations. The deal is intended to deepen economic ties between the EU and the Philippines as a strategic Southeast Asian partner.
Joint Press Statement: EU-Philippines FTA Substantial Agreement Reached
The European Union and the Philippines have reached substantial agreement on a Free Trade Agreement, marking a major milestone in bilateral trade relations. The joint statement was issued by Philippine Secretary Roque and EU Commissioner Šefčovič.
Thailand participates in 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting; signs ASEAN-Hong Kong Investment Agreement and concludes DEFA negotiations
Thailand’s Deputy PM and Commerce Minister attended the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in Manila on 19-20 September 2026, where ASEAN signed an investment agreement with Hong Kong. Thailand, as chair of the DEFA negotiating committee, helped conclude negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), while also advancing trade negotiations with 14 dialogue […]
Thailand Deputy PM pushes forward reciprocal trade agreement with USTR after negotiation framework concluded, to lock in agreed tariff rates
Thai Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan met with the US Trade Representative on the sidelines of the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in the Philippines to advance a reciprocal trade agreement (ART) with the US. The negotiation framework has already been concluded, and Thailand is now pushing to formalize the agreement to maintain tariff […]
India-New Zealand FTA to Enter into Force from 20 October 2026
The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement is set to enter into force on 20 October 2026. No further details are available from the snippet, but the announcement confirms a specific implementation date for the bilateral FTA. This is a significant trade policy development for both countries.
Joint Media Statement of the 5th RCEP Ministers’ Meeting
RCEP ministers from ASEAN and partner countries (Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea) met in Manila on 21 September 2026 for their fifth ministerial meeting. The meeting addressed RCEP implementation and ongoing trade matters under the agreement. Specific outcomes are referenced in the full statement.