THE Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be signed during the 37th Asean Summit, which starts on Thursday, said Hishammuddin Hussein.

Speaking to reporters after attending the Asean-related meetings in Kuala Lumpur today, he said three official documents – the Mid-Term Review of the Asean Community Vision 2025; the Asean Comprehensive Recovery Framework; and the Asean Regional Medical Supply Reserve for Public Health Emergencies – will also be launched during the summit.

The RCEP comprises 10 Asean countries as well as its five dialogue partners – Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.

Once signed, the RCEP will be the world’s largest free-trade agreement, encompassing close to half of the world’s population and contributing one-third of the world’s gross domestic product. 

The Malaysian delegation to the 37th Asean Summit, to be held virtually from Thursday till Sunday, will be led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. 

Hosted by Vietnam, the summit will be held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. – Bernama, November 10, 2020.