PHNOM PENH – Cambodia's Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea has urged the full and effective utilization of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement and ASEAN free trade agreements for greater regional integration and benefits for ASEAN peoples.

Chenda Sophea, who is also a Cambodian deputy prime minister, made the remarks during the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Sessions with the Dialogue Partners in Vientiane, capital of Laos, on Friday, said a Cambodian foreign ministry's news release.

He said promoting economic ties and fostering trade and investments in and between the regions remains a key pillar in the ASEAN's relations with external partners.

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He encouraged the full and effective utilization of the existing free trade agreements that ASEAN has with some dialogue partners and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to further deepen regional integration and bring greater benefits for our peoples, the news release said.

Entered into force in 2022, the RCEP comprises 15 Asia-Pacific countries including 10 ASEAN member states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – and their five dialogue partners, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

According to the news release, Chenda Sophea also underlined the need for ASEAN to work with other dialogue partners to create more FTAs and to improve market access, harmonize regulatory frameworks, and enhance business-to-business linkages.

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To ensure rapid and durable growth, Chenda Sophea urged ASEAN and dialogue partners to tap into the great potential of emerging industries such as the digital economy, green transition, resilient supply chains, and sustainable tourism.

He said a resilient and interconnected region will ensure that ASEAN remains a key driver in regional and global growth.