Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today joined Ministers from ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea for the 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministers’ Meeting held in Manila, the Philippines.  

The Meeting underscored the importance of strengthening the implementation of the RCEP Agreement amidst an evolving global economic landscape.  

The Meeting welcomed the progress on accession process with RCEP Applicants, in line with the RCEP Leaders’ mandate last year to advance the accession process, and in accordance with the established Procedures.   The Meeting further welcomed the progress made in preparation for the General Review to upgrade the Agreement and looked forward to endorsing the Joint Scoping Paper at the RCEP Ministers’ Meeting in 2027, marking an important milestone towards the future development of the RCEP Agreement.