After discussions with ASEAN regional partners and achieving positive progress, the upgrade negotiations of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) are expected to be completed by March this year.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul stated that this is one of the matters discussed in the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting, which will be further explored in the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Informal Meeting, which he will preside over tomorrow.
“It appears that there are no issues in the discussions regarding the ATIGA upgrade, so I believe we can prioritize ATIGA in March, and several countries may have already agreed to sign the agreement.”
He mentioned this during a press conference at the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Informal Meeting.
The ASEAN Secretariat stated on the 9th of this month that during an online ministerial meeting held the previous week, ASEAN countries are looking to complete the upgrade negotiations of ATIGA by 2025.
Discussing the progress of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), he said that in-depth discussions are still ongoing as member states face different issues that need resolution.
The ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Preparatory Meeting, originally planned for two days, concluded a day earlier yesterday, chaired by the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s Deputy Secretary-General (Trade) Mastura.
Tengku Zafrul highlighted that apart from the two agreements mentioned, the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Informal Meeting held in Desaru will also discuss other matters, including seeking the ASEAN Economic Ministers' agreement to approve 18 priority economic deliverables and the progress of Timor-Leste joining ASEAN.
“As I mentioned earlier, the per capita GDP levels of ASEAN countries differ, requiring fair discussions.
“Therefore, all these matters will be refined, and I am optimistic that we will reach a consensus.”
He noted that this edition of the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Informal Meeting has received positive responses, with all member states in attendance.
He also mentioned that several bilateral meetings will be held today, with ASEAN ministers in attendance.