- We, the Heads of State/Government of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Participating Countries (Member States of ASEAN, Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand) reviewed the progress of negotiations for the RCEP.
- We recall our Joint Declaration on the Launch of Negotiations for the RCEP and the Guiding Principles and Objectives for Negotiating the RCEP, which lay the foundation for and the spirit in the conduct of the RCEP negotiations since its commencement in May 2013.
- We welcome the substantial progress made to date. Following the breakthroughs achieved by our Ministers, substantive negotiations on trade in goods, trade in services and investment have intensified. Text-based negotiations have also intensified.
- With half of the world's population and almost 30 per cent of the world's output and trade, the RCEP offers immense potential to improve the standard of living for billions of people. We resolve to ensure that the RCEP delivers on its potential to serve as a growth driver and a key pathway for broader economic integration in the region.
- We instruct our Ministers and negotiators to further intensify their efforts and we look forward to the conclusion of the RCEP negotiations in 2016, contributing significantly to regional and global economic integration, providing for equitable economic development, and strengthening economic cooperation.
Last Updated: 3 February 2016