Asean urged to embrace RCEP as US tariffs bite

An Association of Southeast Asian Nations logo is displayed ahead of Asean Foreign Ministers Meeting in Langkawi Island, Malaysia, in January. Photo: EPA-EFE

They will meet RCEP counterparts during the week-long meeting, and also with US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer.

RCEP is an Asia-Pacific trade alliance representing 30 per cent of the global economy, which was forged as a shield from rising global protectionism.

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Malaysia’s Anwar slams US tariffs, calls for stronger inter-Asean trade

Malaysia’s Anwar slams US tariffs, calls for stronger inter-Asean trade

“With trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty likely to persist, rules-based partnerships like RCEP are no longer optional,” said Adib Zalkapli, managing director of geopolitical and public affairs firm Viewfinder Global Affairs.