Asia-Pacific nations continue RCEP negotiations

Sixteen Asia-Pacific nations started a new round of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 13 to eliminate import duties.
Sixteen Asia-Pacific nations started a new round of negotiations forthe Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia on July 13 to eliminate import duties.

Present at the event were ministers and representatives from ten ASEANmember states, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, the Republic ofKorea and India.

The countries have beenstruggling to reach consensus on the reduction or elimination of importduties given their respective diverse economic development.

Another ministerial meeting will take place this August to speed up the RCEP.-VNA

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