商务部：中国-东盟自贸区3.0版升级议定书主要有三个突出特点

Core Points - The signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol marks a significant achievement in trade relations and is a response to the challenges faced by the international trade system [2][3] Group 1: Importance of the Protocol - The protocol signifies the commitment of China and ASEAN to multilateralism and free trade amidst rising protectionism and unilateral trade measures [2] - It establishes a new milestone for deeper regional economic integration, expanding cooperation into emerging fields such as digital and green economies [3] - The protocol supports the construction of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future, enhancing economic cooperation and promoting a resilient regional supply chain [3] Group 2: Background and Negotiation Process - The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area is the first free trade agreement established by both parties, with the initial agreement announced in 2002 [4] - The 3.0 version negotiations began in November 2022 and involved nine formal rounds and over 120 working group meetings [4][5] - The trade volume between China and ASEAN reached $982.3 billion in 2024, a 17-fold increase since the establishment of the free trade area [4] Group 3: Key Features of the Protocol - The protocol aims to promote open, mutually beneficial, and inclusive cooperation, adapting to new trends in international trade [6] - It expands into five new areas: digital economy, green economy, supply chain connectivity, competition and consumer protection, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises [7] - The protocol enhances the level of openness and establishes a systematic cooperation framework for both traditional and emerging fields [7] Group 4: Main Content of the Protocol - The protocol includes nine major areas of upgrade, covering both existing fields and new areas with significant cooperation potential [8] - In the digital economy, it establishes a high-level rule system and cooperation arrangements, including customs duty exemptions on electronic transmissions [9] - The green economy section defines key areas for cooperation, including green trade and sustainable finance, while committing to not use environmental standards as trade barriers [9] - The supply chain section introduces a dedicated chapter for cooperation, enhancing regional supply chain resilience and connectivity [10] - The protocol also addresses standards and technical regulations, health measures, customs procedures, competition, consumer protection, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises [11][12][13]