Premier Li Keqiang said on Nov 4 the breakthrough in negotiations for a major Asian trade deal will help the countries cope with risks and challenges in the face of rising protectionism.
Speaking at the 3rd Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit in Bangkok, Premier Li said 15 member states of the RCEP have concluded negotiations and made arrangements for resolving outstanding issues.
With the conclusion of the negotiations, a breakthrough has been achieved in building an East Asian free trade area that would boast the largest population, the most diversified membership structures, and the greatest potential for development in the world, he said.
The negotiations took into full consideration the interest and concerns of relevant parties, which would speed up regional economic integration and help countries join hands to withstand risks in the face of rising protectionism, he said.
Premier Li said unrelenting efforts shall be made to complete consultations for a handful of outstanding issues by the end of this year and to prepare full legal documents for signing. He also called on countries to speed up domestic procedures and make sure that the deal will be signed in the next RCEP summit so that the results will benefit the people as early as possible.
"China is ready to uphold the principles of mutual understanding and accommodation and work along with countries to address issues in the negotiations with India. India is welcome to join the partnership as early as possible," he said.
