Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, will be in Hanoi, Vietnam from 8 to 9 March 2013 to attend the 19th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Retreat. 

 

The Ministers will discuss the status of the implementation of the initiatives supporting the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the challenges faced in the realisation of AEC 2015.

 

In addition, the Ministers will discuss ways to enhance ASEAN’s relations with its Dialogue Partners so that ASEAN continues to be well-integrated with the global economy and connected to regional developments. In particular, the Ministers will discuss the progress of negotiations under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which is a key initiative launched by the leaders of ASEAN and its six FTA Partners in November 2012 to deepen ASEAN’s engagement with its FTA Partners.

 

During the AEM Retreat, Mr Lim will also participate in the 12th ASEAN Economic Ministers – EU Trade Commissioner Consultations, and the ASEAN-EU Business Summit to discuss areas of economic cooperation and ways to enhance trade, investment, and business facilitation measures between ASEAN and the EU.

Mr Lim will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

 
MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY
7 MARCH 2013