1. ASEAN alongside Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea gathered in Manila on 21 September 2026 for the Fifth RCEP Ministers’ Meeting. The Meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Diah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Vice Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia and the Honourable Dr. Shane Reti, MP, Member of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, New Zealand Parliament.
2. The Meeting exchanged views on the current global and regional economic developments and their implications for trade, investment, and economic integration. The Meeting underscored the importance of strengthening the implementation of the RCEP Agreement, deepening trade and investment relations, and building economic resilience amidst an evolving global economic landscape. The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to actively promote the RCEP Agreement so that it can be effectively utilised by businesses, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

Download the full statement here.