The ASEAN Secretary-General joined ministers from all RCEP parties for the 5th RCEP Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, Philippines. The meeting focused on RCEP implementation and related trade policy matters among the 15 member economies.
Topic Archives:Fta
RCEP Approves Accession Working Group for Hong Kong
RCEP members approved the establishment of an Accession Working Group (AWG) to begin the formal accession process for Hong Kong and other applicant economies. Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development welcomed the decision as a pivotal step toward RCEP membership. This marks a concrete procedural advance in Hong Kong’s bid to join the […]
Secretary-General of ASEAN Participates in the 31st AEM-CER Consultation
The 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers–Closer Economic Relations (AEM-CER) Consultation was held in Manila, with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn participating. The meeting focused on implementation of the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) as a cornerstone of ASEAN-CER economic relations.
Secretary-General of ASEAN Participates in the 25th AEM-MOFCOM Consultation
The 25th ASEAN Economic Ministers-MOFCOM Consultation was held in Manila, discussing preparations for the entry into force of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). The meeting involved senior officials from ASEAN and China’s Ministry of Commerce. Specific measures or timelines related to ACFTA implementation were on the agenda.
32nd AEM-METI Consultation Discusses AJCEP Upgrade and Future Economic Partnership
The 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers-METI Consultation was held in Manila, with discussions on a possible upgrade of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement. The meeting also welcomed implementation of future economic cooperation measures between ASEAN and Japan.
23rd AEM-ROK Consultation: ASEAN-Korea FTA Upgrade Negotiations Progress Discussed
The ASEAN Secretary-General participated in the 23rd AEM-ROK Consultation in Manila, where ministers discussed progress of the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA) upgrade negotiations that commenced in 2026. The meeting also exchanged views on broader ASEAN-Korea trade relations.
First Protocol to Amend ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Investment Agreement Signed
The ASEAN Secretary-General attended the signing of the First Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Investment Agreement (AHKIA). The protocol aims to enhance economic relations and improve transparency and predictability in investment arrangements between ASEAN and Hong Kong, China.
10th AEM–Hong Kong, China Consultation Reviews AHKFTA Implementation
The ASEAN Secretary-General participated in the 10th ASEAN Economic Ministers–Hong Kong, China Consultation in Manila, where discussions covered progress in implementing the ASEAN–Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA). The meeting addressed ongoing FTA implementation matters between ASEAN and Hong Kong, China.
Hong Kong and ASEAN Sign Protocol Amending Investment Agreement
Hong Kong signed the First Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Hong Kong Investment Agreement in Manila, securing non-discriminatory treatment for Hong Kong firms across all 10 ASEAN member states. ASEAN is Hong Kong’s third-largest outward direct investment destination. The protocol represents a formal amendment to the bilateral investment framework.
India Welcomes Passage of New Zealand Legislation to Give Effect to India-New Zealand FTA
India has welcomed New Zealand’s passage of domestic legislation to implement the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. This marks a key step toward the FTA entering into force. No further details are available from the snippet.