KualaLumpur (VNA) – The signing of the Regional Comprehensive EconomicPartnership (RCEP) Agreement will be the central outcome of the 37th ASEANSummit and Related Meetings, held virtually by host Vietnam on November 9-15, Malaysia’sInternational Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) said in a recent statement.

RCEPwould make this grouping the largest free trade agreement in the world,covering nearly half of the world’s population while contributing one third ofthe world’s gross domestic product, the ministry noted.

Besides,the agreement, which has been in negotiation since 2013, would enhance regionaleconomic integration, promote the flow of investments and strengthen globalsupply chains.

Accordingto MITI, Malaysia’s senior officials are set to convene at the summit andrelated meetings. Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin will lead theMalaysian delegation accompanied by Senior Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali alongsideForeign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

SeniorMinister and MITI Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said that with ASEAN members stillbattling the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit will be an ideal platform to discussways and means to deal with the health and economic challenges.

Underthe theme “Cohesive and Responsive”, they will also focus on how best toenhance unity, cooperation and solidarity towards regional economicintegration.

Healso expects that the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF), which isset to be submitted for the ASEAN Leaders’ endorsement at the summit, will beimplemented./.