ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
International relations

Five RCEP takeaways: Asia cements grip as free trade torchbearer

US now finds itself on outside of two massive Asia-Pacific blocs

From left, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh wave to their counterparts at the virtual RCEP signing ceremony during the 37th ASEAN Summit in Hanoi on Nov. 15.   © VNA/Kyodo

SINGAPORE -- The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement signed by 15 countries on Sunday positions Asia as the world's torchbearer for free trade.

The U.S. has shied away from ambitious multilateral pacts in recent years -- a stance that might not dramatically change under President-elect Joe Biden. Over in Europe, the U.K. and European Union are running out of time to seal a post-Brexit deal.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more