During the recent meeting of the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs), members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) examined six RTAs that involve a variety of countries, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia, Colombia, the European Union, Japan, Pacific Island countries, Peru, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. The discussions not only focused on the details of these agreements but also looked into ways to improve the committee’s operational efficiency.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) was singled out for special attention among the RTAs that were being examined under the RTA Transparency Mechanism.
With roots dating back to 1977, this agreement, which has been in effect since May 17, 2010, promotes a free trade zone among ASEAN members even though the majority of liberalization measures have been effectively carried out, with the exception of a few exclusions, such as petroleum products in Vietnam (expected by 2024) and Cambodia (by 2025). Only a minor portion of tariff lines—which impose tariffs ranging from 5% to 35%—remain unaffected by the sweeping removal of tariffs on intra-ASEAN commerce.
Acknowledged as a fundamental component of the ASEAN Economic Community, ATIGA enhances and balances other accords, including the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA), the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA), and the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS).
Speaking on behalf of ASEAN members, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic emphasized the extensive trade restrictions included in ATIGA, which are intended to strengthen economic cooperation among ASEAN nations.
The committee also looked at the services sector of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is a crucial part of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the ASEAN member nations.
