RCEP: No new issues to ensure talks wrap up by year-end

No new issues will be brought into the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to ensure talks are wrapped up by year-end, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

He said at the recently-ended ASEAN ministerial meeting in Manila, RCEP's direction was among the key topic discussed.

"We are still working on finalising the RCEP this year and we don't want any issues to be brought in as it would delay concluding the process," he told a press conference here today.

Mustapa said the next ministerial meeting in May themed, "Partnering for Change, Engaging the World," would be held under the Philippines' chairmanship in Manila. -- Bernama