RCEP迈入第四年，如何共建高水平自由贸易区？

Core Insights - The RCEP is seen as a hopeful framework to counteract the challenges posed by unilateralism and trade protectionism, with experts emphasizing the need for its expansion and enhancement [1][2][3] Group 1: RCEP's Current Status and Challenges - RCEP has become a new engine for regional economic growth, with the share of intermediate goods trade in total trade increasing from 65% in 2021 to 68.3% in 2024 [1] - Despite its successes, RCEP faces challenges such as low rule utilization and an incomplete implementation mechanism, with applications for membership from Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and Chile still pending [1][2] Group 2: Recommendations for RCEP's Future - Experts suggest that RCEP should quickly establish expansion standards and procedures, improve governance structures, and create an independent RCEP secretariat [2] - There is a call for RCEP to upgrade from being the largest free trade area to a high-level free trade area, focusing on service trade, digital economy, and green finance [3] - The integration of RCEP with CPTPP is recommended to enhance trade rules, reduce non-tariff barriers, and simplify origin certification processes [3] Group 3: Regional Cooperation and Integration - The cooperation between ASEAN and China is highlighted as the cornerstone of RCEP, with recent negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 incorporating digital economy and green transition [4] - Future efforts should not only solidify regional cooperation but also promote cross-regional collaboration, exemplified by upcoming summits that aim to leverage complementary advantages [4]