Asean urged to embrace RCEP as US tariffs bite

They will meet RCEP counterparts during the week-long meeting, and also with US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer.

RCEP is an Asia-Pacific trade alliance representing 30 per cent of the global economy, which was forged as a shield from rising global protectionism.

“With trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty likely to persist, rules-based partnerships like RCEP are no longer optional,” said Adib Zalkapli, managing director of geopolitical and public affairs firm Viewfinder Global Affairs.