Indonesia Calls for Accelerated Completion of ASEAN Trade Upgrade
Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia is urging fellow ASEAN member states to accelerate the negotiations for upgrading the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) with the aim of finalizing it this year.
Push for Enhanced Trade in Goods
Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti made the appeal during a virtual ministerial meeting on ATIGA, chaired by Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong.
“We expect all parties involved in the negotiation, including the negotiation committee and the working groups, to intensify their work so that the negotiation can be completed by the target in the spirit of supporting the Priority Economic Deliverables during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year,” Roro Esti said in her written remarks.
Progress on ATIGA Upgrade
According to the presiding officer of the Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC), 10 out of the 17 new chapters of the upgraded ATIGA have already been agreed upon, with the overall negotiation progress reaching 89 percent completion.
Responding to this progress, Indonesia has proposed mandatory trade liberalization for all ASEAN countries, specifically for nations that have yet to reach the required liberalization commitment average stipulated in the existing ATIGA framework.
Modernizing Trade for ASEAN Challenges
The ATIGA upgrade aims to modernize its scope, ensuring it remains relevant and responsive to both ASEAN and global challenges.
“The ATIGA upgrade is aimed at modernizing its coverage and making it more relevant and responsive to ASEAN and global challenges,” Roro Esti stated, emphasizing the importance of this modernization for ASEAN nations to thrive in the evolving global landscape.
Special Arrangements for Rice and Sugar
During the online meeting, delegates also agreed upon a special arrangement for rice and sugar, classifying them as ASEAN’s strategic food commodities.
“It is part of ATIGA’s upgrade. It is in line with domestic policies and will provide a safety net for the stability of domestic rice and sugar supply and prices,” the deputy minister explained.
This special arrangement reflects the recognition of rice and sugar’s crucial role in ensuring food security within ASEAN member states.
Learn more about the future of ASEAN trade and the groundbreaking impact of the upgraded ATIGA
The post ASEAN ministers urged to expedite regional trade integration. appeared first on Archynewsy.