Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership: A Driving Force for Deeper Regional Cooperation and Global Development

A New Era of Economic Cooperation

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.

Opportunity, People’s Hearts, and Hope

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”.

Opportunity

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.

People’s Hearts

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

Hope

“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

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.

About RCEP

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.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the RCEP is a significant milestone in the history of economic cooperation in the region, and its far-reaching implications will have a profound impact on the lives of people across the globe. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of globalization, the RCEP serves as a beacon of hope for deeper regional cooperation and global development.

FAQs

Q: What is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)?
A: The RCEP is a free trade agreement between 15 countries, including the 10 ASEAN member states, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

Q: What are the key features of the RCEP?
A: The RCEP provides opportunities for member countries to inject fresh momentum into regional development, promotes people-to-people exchanges, and stimulates economic growth and improved well-being.

Q: What are the implications of the RCEP on the global economy?
A: The RCEP is a significant milestone in the history of economic cooperation in the region, and its far-reaching implications will have a profound impact on the global economy.