The 2024RCEP Regional Development Media Think Tank Forum was held in Haikou on the 19thonlinetablegamesASEAN Secretary-General Gao Jinhong said in a video speech that since the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), it has expandedonlinetablegamesThe economic boundaries of traders and enterprises have been eliminated, and the trade and investment relations between ASEAN and other RCEP members have maintained strong momentum of development.

Gao Jinhong said that RCEP will fully enter into force for 15 signatory countries in 2023, marking a new stage of full implementation of the world's largest free trade area."RCEP represents a new generation of free trade agreements, with broad scope and solemn commitments. It is not only better able to adapt to emerging opportunities and challenges, while preparing for the transition to a digital and sustainable future." He said RCEP expands the economic boundaries of traders and businesses and ensures investment between ASEAN and other RCEP members, including China.

Gao Jinhong pointed out that RCEP has promoted trade and investment links between ASEAN and China, and has also become a new catalyst for regional economic growth. The total trade volume between ASEAN and other RCEP member states will reach 1.1 percent in 2023onlinetablegames.2 trillion US dollars, accounting for 35% of ASEAN's total trade.

Talking about how RCEP can further benefit the development of members, Gao Jinhong pointed out that mechanisms such as information exchange and initiative projects under the RCEP framework should be used to resolve trade and investment barriers in a timely manner and enhance the business community's understanding of RCEP rules. He also said that small, medium and micro enterprises account for more than 95% of the registered enterprises in RCEP economies on average, and the employment they carry accounts for 30% to 85% of the total employment. It is necessary to ensure that small, medium and micro enterprises have the knowledge and ability to utilize RCEP and other free trade agreements.

Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the China-ASEAN Center, said at the meeting that the implementation of RCEP has played an important role in promoting regional economic and trade cooperation, improving the policy environment, strengthening the resilience of industrial and supply chains, improving the level of interconnection, and promoting digital economic cooperation. Significant early results have been achieved. RCEP member states, including China and ASEAN, should further improve RCEP-related working mechanisms, increase the utilization of rules, be alert to the impact of geopolitical issues on RCEP implementation, and promote regional cooperation in a more inclusive, modern, comprehensive and mutually beneficial direction development.

(The original title is "ASEAN Secretary-General: RCEP promotes strong growth in trade and investment between ASEAN and other members")