50th AEM to evaluate progress of FTA, RCEP

KUALA LUMPUR: Progress in the implementation of various free trade agreements and economic cooperation programmes is among the topics for discussion at the 50th Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM), said Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti).

To be held in Singapore beginning today, the five-day meeting will also see ministers deliberating on ways to accelerate the pace of negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, bringing it closer to a substantial conclusion.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the meeting would also be covering areas related to the broadening and deepening of economic integration within the region and engagements with dialogue partners.

“This includes priority deliverables for the Singapore Asean Chairmanship 2018, implementation of the Asean Economic Community Blueprint 2025 measures, addressing challenges on trade facilitation measures, Non-Tariff Barriers and progress in integration of other economic sectors,” it said.

The Asean Economic Ministers will also be signing the 10th Asean Framework Agreement of Services Protocol and the 1st Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement.

The Malaysian delegation will be led by Miti Minister Darell Leiking, and will also be part of the ministry’s continuous effort at strengthening trade

This includes priority deliverables for the Singapore Asean Chairmanship 2018, implementation of the Asean Economic Community Blueprint 2025 measures, addressing challenges on trade facilitation measures, Non-Tariff Barriers and progress in integration of other economic sectors. Miti

and investment ties with Singapore.

Among other things, the minister will also be involved in a series of discussions and networking sessions with economists, potential investors, local and foreign business chambers, Malaysian diaspora and companies.

Darell will also be meeting his counterparts from Asean and Dialogue Partners, including Australia, Canada, India, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States.

With a population of more than 640 million, Asean remains a key trading partner for Malaysia, taking up 27.5 per cent of the country’s external trade in 2017, with trade amounting to RM487.42 billion and foreign direct investment inflows totalling US$2.17 billion. — Bernama

— Bernama photo Darell will also be meeting his counterparts from Asean and Dialogue Partners, including Australia, Canada, India, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States.