ASEAN aims for early finalization of upgraded ATIGA

The ASEAN Economic Ministers acknowledged that after 14 official negotiating rounds, ASEAN countries have now completed nearly 98% of the negotiation process for the upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

On May 9, the Second Special ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting on negotiations for upgrading ATIGA was held online, chaired by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry.

Vietnam's delegation was led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, alongside representatives from the ministries of Finance, and Justice.

Given the rapidly evolving global trade environment, the ministers emphasized that finalizing the negotiations would send positive signals to the business community, reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment to regional economic integration by reducing trade barriers, facilitating trade, enhancing supply chain connectivity, and underscoring ASEAN’s support for an open, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading system.

Based on the report from the Chair of the ATIGA Upgrade Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC), ministers provided guidance on a flexible, practical, and mutually beneficial approach to concluding negotiations. They reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing the agreement and signing the upgraded ATIGA as planned.

Vietnam’s Minister Nguyen Hong Dien voiced strong support for the early conclusion of negotiations, praising the progress made by the TNC and technical working groups.

He also urged ASEAN members to continue fostering unity, work towards resolving outstanding differences, and ensure the upgraded ATIGA is feasible, effective, and sustainable for all parties.

The meeting successfully laid the groundwork for upcoming negotiating rounds, setting the stage for the signing of the Second Protocol upgrading ATIGA during the ASEAN Summit.