The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: a new paradigm in Asian Regional Cooperation?

This report compares the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with other free trade agreements and suggests how policy makers can promote its successful implementation. The analysis in this report aims to support policy makers and negotiators in RCEP implementation by identifying areas where further work is needed to make the agreement more attractive to firms and investors. The report shows that despite RCEP’s shortcomings it presents valuable opportunities to deepen regional economic integration. Critically important are the agreement’s built-in provisions and economic and technical cooperation measures that make it possible to expand its depth and coverage in the future.