The ASEAN leaders have expressed their commitment to scrapping tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthening digital trade, facing the industrial revolution 4.0, increasing inter-ASEAN trade, and finalizing RCEP negotiations as well as the centrality
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) urged members to enhance quality and solidity through preparedness for industrial revolution 4.0, ASEAN Single Window implementation, and digital trade promotion according to the 35th ASEAN Summit’s theme, notably "Advancing Partnership for Sustainability" .

"ASEAN leaders have expressed their commitment to scrapping tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthening digital trade, facing industrial revolution 4.0, increasing inter-ASEAN trade, and finalizing RCEP negotiations as well as the centrality and unity of ASEAN," Indonesian Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto noted in a press statement released on Monday.

Suparmanto is on a visit to Bangkok to accompany President Joko Widodo for a series of meetings held on the sidelines of the 35th ASEAN Summit.

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The series of meetings, which started on November 2, included the 35th ASEAN Summit, 22nd ASEAN-China Summit, 16th ASEAN-India Summit, 10th ASEAN-UN Summit, and bilateral meeting between President Widodo and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the 22nd ASEAN-China Summit, the ASEAN and Chinese leaders held discussions on the main agenda in the economic field including commitment to bolstering trade and effectively implementing the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), especially the ACFTA Upgrading Protocol.

The ASEAN-China cooperation in 2020 focuses on digital economy and technology and commitment to encouraging the conclusion of RCEP negotiations.

"The ASEAN-China Summit lasted in a productive way, with the main agenda of cooperation in the trade sector, specifically strengthening the implementation of the ASEAN-CHINA FTA," the trade minister stated.

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Translator: Sella Panduarsa Gareta/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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