加快共建RCEP区域共同大市场（观象台）

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the profound changes in the global geopolitical and economic landscape, emphasizing the shift towards regional economic integration in Asia as a response to challenges posed by the "America First" policy and the need for a unified market under the RCEP framework [1]. Group 1: Regional Economic Integration - The dependency of Asian economies on intra-regional trade reached 57.4% in 2022, with Asian service trade achieving a surplus of $40.55 billion [1]. - By 2024, the GDP of Asian economies is projected to account for nearly half of the global economy, highlighting the significance of regional economic integration for sustainable development [1]. Group 2: RCEP Development - The RCEP is at a critical juncture, facing challenges such as low utilization rates and weak governance mechanisms since its signing in November 2020 [2]. - Upgrading RCEP from version 1.0 to 2.0 is essential for creating a more competitive and unified market, which could potentially increase global trade by $500 billion [1][2]. Group 3: RCEP 2.0 Objectives - RCEP 2.0 aims to transform from a traditional tariff reduction agreement to a platform for deep economic integration, enhancing the flow of regional resources and better connecting supply chains [3]. - The initiative includes facilitating cross-border movement of people, particularly in sectors like healthcare and education, and strengthening the use of local currencies in financial markets [3]. Group 4: Expansion and Cooperation - RCEP should pursue expansion by inviting new members such as Hong Kong, Chile, and Sri Lanka, and establishing high-level coordination mechanisms to ensure mutual benefits for ASEAN countries [4]. - The signing of a free trade agreement between China, Japan, and South Korea is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing RCEP from 1.0 to 2.0, fostering a "RCEP+" effect that enhances regional cooperation [4].