The Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) aims to unlock new opportunities in the digital and green economies while enhancing two-way trade and investment potential, said ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.
The 27th China-ASEAN Summit, held last October in Vientiane, Laos, announced the conclusion of the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN FTA negotiations. This milestone introduced, for the first time, chapters on connectivity in the digital economy, green economy, and supply chains, setting the highest standards among all their economic and trade agreements. A joint statement was also issued during the summit. During an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Kao outlined the development blueprint for China-ASEAN FTA Version 3.0, emphasizing the emergence of exciting new opportunities for investment and trade in non-traditional sectors.
"I think it certainly will go into all kind of areas that were not traditionally, of course. Hopefully we should be working together more on e-commerce, for example. That's the kind of area we should be looking at because the digital economy is growing. I'm sure for China or certainly for ASEAN. At the moment, we are working together among 10 states to negotiate the digital economy agreement. So again, I think digital economy is important. We have to look at all other new areas, including the green, the blue economy sector is also growing. We simply have to look at what more can be done, particularly in the agriculture sector," Kao said.
Kao emphasized that bilateral economic and trade collaboration brings mutual benefits and fosters a win-win outcome for both sides.
"So, it's all the way about mutual interest, how we can take advantage of the competitive advantage that we have between ASEAN and China. The upgrade of FTA to 3.0 will make it more relevant, benefit the businesses on both sides. And that again will help to facilitate trade, reduce more trade barriers between both sides and, of course, modernize the way we do business between ASEAN and China," he said.
The construction of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area was completed in 2010, and Version 3.0 FTA negotiations began in November 2022.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
China-ASEAN FTA 3.0 promotes shared benefits: secretary-general
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
