The support unit is targeted to commence operations at the earliest in 2024.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Trade underscored that the establishment of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Support Unit is a key milestone in the RCEP, which is the largest trade agreement.

Ministers of the RCEP member countries welcomed the establishment of the support unit as well as the four committee meetings and one sub-committee meeting under the RCEP Joint Committee (RJC) during the 3rd RCEP Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on Sunday.

In a statement from the Trade Ministry on Monday, the ministry's Director General of International Trade Negotiations, Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, who led the meeting, stated that the support unit is targeted to commence operations at the earliest in 2024.

"This unit will play an important role in ensuring the implementation of the RCEP Agreement runs efficiently and effectively so that it can contribute to the economic integration in the region as a whole," he remarked.

Witjaksono also introduced Taufiq Arfi Wargadalam, a representative from the Indonesian Ministry of Trade, who has been selected as executive director of the RCEP Support Unit.

At the 3rd RCEP Ministers' Meeting, Director for ASEAN Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade Dina Kurniasari, chair of the RJC, reported to the ministers regarding the progress and achievements in the RCEP implementation.

One of the most significant achievements reported is the RCEP Accession Procedure Document, for which discussions were held for two years.

Moreover, Kurniasari reported on several issues for which directions from the ministers were deemed necessary.

The RCEP ministers also welcomed the document, which is a reference document for expanding the RCEP membership.

"The adoption of the Accession Procedure Document is proof of the commitment of RCEP member countries to RCEP openness and inclusivity. The openness and inclusivity of RCEP further bolster and expand the global regional supply chain and open up opportunities for broader economic cooperation," Witjaksono remarked.

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Translator: Maria Cicilia, Raka Adji
Editor: Arie Novarina
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