ASEAN countries will propose to the 16 member states of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to eliminate tariffs on 92 per cent of trade in goods to promote economic integration of the grouping soon.
Sirinart Chaimun, director-general to the Trade Negotiations Department, said although Asean countries wanted the agreement to be finalised by the end of this year, there was still some disagreement over this proposal.
RCEP countries will need to vote and negotiate on the issue at the upcoming ministerial level meeting set for August 5 in Laos.
The agreement will be proposed to the Leaders Summit in September this year.
RCEP countries will also discuss service sector liberalisation, which are now negotiating about service businesses and binding for liberalisation in service and investment sectors.
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