“双赢”！中国东盟自贸区升级

Core Points - The signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade protocol marks a significant enhancement in economic cooperation between China and ASEAN, reflecting a commitment to multilateralism and free trade [1][2][6] - The protocol includes nine new areas of cooperation, such as digital economy, green economy, and supply chain connectivity, indicating a shift from traditional trade focus to a more institutionalized cooperation model [3][4][7] Group 1: Economic Impact - The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area has seen a 17-fold increase in trade volume since its inception in 2002, with a projected trade volume of $982.3 billion in 2024 [2][4] - In the first nine months of this year, bilateral trade reached $776.7 billion, a year-on-year increase of 9.6%, highlighting the growing integration of manufacturing supply chains [4][6] Group 2: Strategic Significance - The upgrade is viewed as a strategic victory for China, enhancing its influence in the region and providing opportunities for ASEAN countries to strengthen their economic resilience [1][8] - The protocol is expected to create new opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises in the region, fostering economic integration and stability [6][9] Group 3: Future Prospects - The implementation details of the protocol are expected to be finalized in the coming months, with member countries likely to approve it by 2026 [9] - The upgrade signifies a transition to high-quality cooperation, focusing on advanced technology and deeper industrial integration, which is anticipated to enhance productivity levels [9][10]