Asean to roll out upgraded trade pact ahead of schedule: Gan Kim Yong
Early roll-out would allow goods to move more easily across borders and give businesses better access to markets across the region
Southeast Asian nations are moving to expedite the implementation of an upgraded regional goods trade pact, according to Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. The Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) will be rolled out earlier than originally scheduled, with implementation now set to conclude in 2026 instead of June 2027. Asean economic ministers agreed to the accelerated timeline during the first day of the Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Manila.
Gan emphasized that the early roll-out would facilitate smoother cross-border movement of goods and provide businesses with improved access to regional markets. The upgraded agreement aims to reduce trade barriers and streamline customs procedures, supply chains, and other trade measures. Additionally, economic ministers discussed plans to review the Asean Trade in Services Agreement and implement the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which seeks to enhance digital transactions across the region.
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- ASEAN to roll out upgraded trade pact ahead of schedule thejakartapost.com
