And with China putting its weight behind RCEP, it has emerged as best alternative to lowering tariffs in the region for Asia's export-driven economies. Since the election in November of a protectionist-minded US president, China has emerged as arguably the biggest advocate of trade liberalisation. China denies it is leading RCEP, and Lopez said the deal would not be skewed in favour of larger nations. Lopez said trade was not expected to figure prominently at the Asean summit starting on Saturday, but leaders would be pushing for a conclusion of RCEP by the end of this year. "What we just hope is that the US won't really come up with policies that will really be protectionist," he said.

Source: Bangkok Post April 26, 2017 13:18 UTC