RCEP to finalize negotiations Aiming to build a free trade zone in 16 Asia-Pacific countries November 10, 4:36
A summit meeting will be held on November 15th over RCEP = Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which aims to build a free trade zone in 16 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
It is expected that final negotiations will be held aiming for an agreement in 15 countries except India, which suggests withdrawal and continues to be absent from the conference.
RCEP is an EPA = Economic Partnership Agreement that aims to build a free trade zone with the participation of 16 countries, including Japan, China, India, and ASEAN = members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Negotiations began in 2012, but since November last year, India, which is concerned about adverse effects on domestic industry, has been absent from the negotiations, and the focus will be on whether or not it will reach the target signing within the year. I am.
Under these circumstances, a meeting of related ministers will be held on November 11th, and a summit meeting will be held on November 15th in the form of a video conference.
India is expected to forgo attendance this time as well, and it is expected that final negotiations will be held at the conference aiming for an agreement among the remaining 15 countries while leaving room for India to return.
If agreed, it will be the first EPA to connect with Japan's largest trading partner, China, and the third South Korea, and it is expected that trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region will expand by eliminating or reducing tariffs.