RCEP REPRESENTS OPPORTUNITY TO DRIVE REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND GROWTH

By Wong Cheng Hau and Ahmad Erwan Othman

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) -- The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is not only an economic framework but also a driving force for deeper regional cooperation, growth and global development, said Xinhua Institute’s Deputy Director Zhu Zhibin.

Speaking at the 2025 ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum, here on Friday, Zhu described RCEP with three key words – “opportunity”, “people’s hearts”, and “hope”.

He said the agreement provides a significant opportunity to member countries – by injecting fresh momentum into regional development and opening new avenues for economic prosperity.

“As for “people’s hearts”, it is reflected in the increasingly frequent cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

“Meanwhile, “hope” is vividly embodied in landmark projects such as the China-Laos Railway, which have not only boosted regional connectivity but also effectively stimulated economic growth and improved people’s well-being,” he said.

The 2025 ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum, held in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, serves as a platform for media experts and academicians from across the region and China to engage in in-depth discussions on a wide range of issues relevant to ASEAN and the global community.

The RCEP, which came into force in January 2022, is the world’s largest free trade agreement, involving 15 countries including the 10 ASEAN member states, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

-- BERNAMA