Phnom Penh: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has significantly bolstered ASEAN's regional integration, fostering beneficial economic relations, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated at an event on Thursday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed approximately 600 attendees at the Cambodia-ASEAN Business Summit 2025, emphasizing the strategic positioning of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a hub for global capital flows. This positioning is driven by strong intra- and inter-ASEAN trade and a favorable investment environment.

Hun Manet highlighted the ASEAN region's investment appeal, shaped by its economic dynamism and a firm commitment to economic partnership and regional integration. He pointed out ASEAN's successful establishment of a comprehensive network of free trade agreements with major global economies as evidence of its prowess in navigating the economic partnership landscape.

RCEP, which came into effect in 2022, includes 15 Asia-Pacific countries. Among them are 10 ASEAN member states-Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam-and five of their trading partners: China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

Prime Minister Hun Manet asserted that the ratification of RCEP reinforces ASEAN's dedication to deepening regional integration and cultivating mutually advantageous economic relationships. He encapsulated ASEAN's strategy as one founded on multilateralism and consensus, with a guiding model of "one vision, one identity, and one community."

Furthermore, Hun Manet noted Cambodia's active role as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), underscoring the country's commitment to transparent and equitable trade practices. He expressed Cambodia's focus on achieving a dynamic and integrated economic community through comprehensive trade liberalization and facilitation.