UN General Assembly
2018

Our work in ASEAN is rooted in our belief that regional organizations can demonstrate how multilateralism continues to be relevant and beneficial for people all over the world. As the Chair of ASEAN this year, Singapore will continue to work with all our member States and our external partners to ensure that the regional architecture remains open, inclusive and rules-based. We are working with our partners to conclude the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. When that is concluded, the Partnership will be the world’s largest trading bloc, accounting for up to a third of the world’s GDP. But our interest is not just in big trade figures. We also want to send a powerful message that ASEAN member States and our six partners — India, China, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand — stand for and are committed to free trade, regional integration and international cooperation.