Sri Lanka among countries that have applied for RCEP

This announcement comes three years after the implementation of RCEP, which has continued to expand its influence and is now considered a key channel for economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region.

As the non-ASEAN rotating chair of RCEP in 2024, China has actively taken steps to promote the inclusion of new member countries into the agreement. In a statement, Chinese officials expressed strong support for the new applications, emphasizing that the ongoing expansion of RCEP will further enhance its positive impacts on regional trade and economic cooperation.

China highlighted that RCEP's effectiveness has been steadily increasing, contributing significantly to the growth of trade and investment among member countries. The inclusion of Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Chile is expected to bolster the agreement's role in driving regional economic integration and creating new opportunities for economic growth.

The RCEP, which originally included 15 countries, has played a pivotal role in enhancing trade relations in the Asia-Pacific region. China's support for the accession of new members reflects its commitment to strengthening the economic ties and fostering deeper integration within the region.