China and ASEAN finalise negotiations on China–ASEAN Free Trade Area

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have officially concluded negotiations on the China–ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0. The announcement was made following a special videoconference of economic and trade ministers, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Commerce. This is reported by Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

The CAFTA 3.0 upgrade comes after nine rounds of formal negotiations. The agreement introduces nine new chapters, including key areas such as the digital economy, green development, and supply chain connectivity. This expansion reflects our shared commitment to modernising trade frameworks and addressing emerging global economic trends.

According to the source, China and ASEAN are each other’s largest trading partners, with CAFTA 3.0 poised to further solidify their economic ties. The upgraded agreement is expected to promote a more open, inclusive, and resilient regional economy by enhancing institutional alignment, expanding market access, and strengthening cooperation in high-potential sectors.

Experts believe that the new framework not only improves conditions for cross-border trade and investment but also supports broader strategic goals, such as building a China–ASEAN community with a shared future.

In the next phase, both parties will proceed with domestic legal and procedural steps necessary to sign and ratify the upgraded protocol.

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