RCEP Negotiations to Continue This Month

Another round of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership will take place this month, according to an unofficial translation of a May 13 notice from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The negotiations, featuring the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India, will take place May 15-20 via videoconference, the notice said. Countries had expected in 2019 to finalize RCEP negotiations this year (see 1911040016), but now it is unclear if the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to more delays.