
TOKYO -- Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo urged the swift implementation of the world's largest trade bloc backed by China, just a few days after the launch of a new economic grouping in the Indo-Pacific region led by the U.S. He also urged support for his country's Group of 20 presidency, despite tensions over Russia's involvement.
The 15-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership formally took force on Jan. 1, but not all of the provisions in the pact, including lowering tariffs, are expected to immediately take effect.