(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed support for the development and integration of East Asia, calling for greater openness and global governance during a Leaders' Meeting on East Asian cooperation in the Malaysian capital.
Li urged all parties to adhere to openness and cooperation, and safeguard free trade and multilateralism.
In his speech at the fifth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Leaders' Meeting, Li noted that the current international economic and trade landscape is undergoing complex changes, with rising unilateralism and protectionism, posing significant risks to the region.
He also called on all parties to cooperate more closely to jointly address challenges and work collectively to advance development.
The Chinese Premier added that China will continue to support the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and work with all parties to maintain the stability of the regional multilateral trading system.
In turn, Malaysian Member of Parliament and member of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Yuneswaran Ramaraj said, "the RCEP has proven strong results in boosting intra-regional trade and foreign direct investment, even in a climate of global trade fragmentation."
He noted the successful completion of negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, which is set to integrate the digital economy, green transition, supply chain connectivity and production networks.
He also urged continued commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, preserving free trade and the multilateral trading system, opposing all forms of protectionism, and steadily advancing regional economic integration. RCEP Li Qiang global governance trade

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