The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) presents a historic opportunity for East Asia to deepen cooperative commitment to the reforms that are needed to secure its future as a dynamic centre of higher than average global growth and regional prosperity in an open international economy. This ambition is important to all regional economies. RCEP policy leaders can move boldly--and expeditiously--to form an agreement that entrenches and substantially deepens the openness of their economies that has historically underpinned economic growth in the region. This is a time for leadership at all levels and strategies that are focused on the potential of economic cooperation to lift growth, not from defensive negotiating positions seeking to maintain the status quo that will serve only to undermine the welfare of future generations.