Mr Steven Ciobo MP led Australia's participation at the Fifth RCEP Ministerial Meeting hosted by the Philippines on 10 September 2017.

The Ministers from the 16 RCEP Participating Countries (RPCs) noted the progress made since they last met at the Third RCEP Intersessional Ministerial Meeting on 21-22 May 2017 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further intensify efforts in a cooperative manner for the swift conclusion of the RCEP negotiations.

RCEP Ministers endorsed a package of outcomes to be achieved by the end of the year and engaged in constructive discussion on landing zones for these outcomes. Officials will work to achieve these outcomes at the next negotiating round in Korea (17-28 October 2017).

The Ministers reiterated that RPCs should continue improving market access offers through positive and constructive responses to requests. The Ministers also emphasised the need to strengthen trade-facilitating rules so as to contribute to the realisation of RCEP's potential as an engine for global growth.

Joint media statement: Fifth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial Meeting [PDF 369 KB]