MTI minister at Asean retreat

Minister for Trade and Industry Kim Hng Kiang (left) and other ministers will discuss how to fast track the agreements and implementation of obligations and initiatives to further facilitate business operations in the Asean region. -- ST PHOTO: JOYCE FANG

THE STRAITS TIMES
http://www.straitstimes.com

May 4, 2009

TRADE and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang will attend the 15th Asean Economic Ministers' (AEM) Retreat in Siem Reap, Cambodia this week.

The meeting on Monday and Tuesday comes after the February signing of the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the Asean Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA), and the Protocol for the 7th Package of Commitments under the Asean Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS-7).

Ministers will discuss how to fast track the agreements and implementation of obligations and initiatives to further facilitate business operations in the Asean region.

They will also review the progress of implementation of the economic integration measures under the Asean Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint.

In addition, the ministers will consider ways to further enhance external relations with Dialogue Partners so that Asean continues to be well linked to global economies.

Global economic issues, such as the importance of being open to trade and investment and the avoidance of protectionism, also figure on the agenda.