ASEAN economic ministers gathered at the 25th ASEAN Economic Minister Retreat (AEM Retreat) in Phuket, Thailand on April 23 to discuss the conclusion of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership at the end of this year, as well as the completion of the ASEAN Single Window.
The event themed "Advancing Partnership for Sustainability” focused on three major contents covering 13 economic priorities, including ASEAN support to prepare for the fourth Industrial Revolution, connectivity enhancement and sustainable development.
The ministers signed two important documents – the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement and the fourth protocol amending the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement to boost regional integration and attract more foreign investors.
The Vietnamese delegation to the event was led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Trần Quốc Khánh.
Regarding the possibility of ending the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership negotiation this year, Khanh said the ministers were relatively concerned about the progress of negotiations, with some contents falling short of expectation.-VNA
