RCEP trade deal can take effect without India, Thailand confirms

China, Japan, ASEAN and others to write up treaty for ratification by June

20191108 India Thailand

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, left, with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. It is unclear whether India will return to the RCEP talks. © AP

MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writer

BANGKOK -- A historic Asia-Pacific trade pact may come into force without one of the biggest participants -- a hesitant India -- a top Thai official indicated on Friday.

"The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership can take effect after at least six countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and four other participating nations ratify it," said Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations in Thailand's Ministry of Commerce.

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