Core Viewpoint - The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is positioned as a significant driver for regional economic integration amidst global challenges such as unilateralism and trade protectionism, aiming to evolve from the "largest free trade area" to a "high-level free trade area" [5][6][9]. Group 1: RCEP's Role and Impact - Since its implementation, RCEP has significantly boosted trade within the region, particularly benefiting emerging markets like Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia [3]. - The region has become a stronghold for global foreign direct investment (FDI), with ASEAN attracting 49.2% of global FDI inflows in 2023 [3]. - Trade in intermediate goods has shown a notable increase, rising from 65% of total trade in 2021 to 68.3% in 2024 [3]. Group 2: Challenges and Areas for Improvement - RCEP faces challenges such as low utilization rates of its rules and slow progress in fulfilling commitments in key areas like services and investment [8]. - The absence of a fully established RCEP secretariat has hindered timely decision-making on critical issues like upgrading terms and expanding membership [8]. - There is a lack of effective platforms for policy coordination and communication among member countries [8]. Group 3: Future Directions for RCEP - To transition to a high-level free trade area, RCEP should expand its scope beyond economic matters to include governance and investment [9]. - Strong leadership is essential for establishing relevant rules and plans, addressing issues like regulatory policies and industry standards [9][10]. - Regular summits for RCEP leaders are necessary to ensure focused attention on trade, investment, and supply chain issues [12]. - Enhancing organizational capabilities and establishing a mechanism for progress assessment will be crucial for RCEP's effectiveness [12][13].

"面对贸易保护主义带来的冲击，我们并不是束手无策。"正在此间举办的2025RCEP区域发展媒体智库 论坛上，韩国中央大学国际关系研究生院特聘教授安忠荣说，维护多边贸易主义体系，《区域全面经济 伙伴关系协定》(RCEP)承载着很大希望。 2025年是RCEP正式实施的第四年。作为世界人口最多、经贸规模最大、最具发展潜力的自由贸易区， RCEP将如何应对单边主义、贸易保护主义的挑战？在本次论坛上，中外专家学者热议RCEP的调整与 变革。 中国(海南)改革发展研究院当日发布的《2025RCEP发展报告》显示，RCEP生效实施三年多来，成为区 域经济增长的新引擎，区域内货物贸易规模稳步增长，产业链、供应链网络融合发展，区域内中间品贸 易占贸易总额比重由2021年的65%上升至2024年的68.3%。 不过，报告同时指出，RCEP存在规则利用率不高、实施机制不完善等问题，尤其是虽有中国香港、斯 里兰卡和智利申请加入，但尚未实现扩容。 "RCEP处在不进则退的关节点，破解关键是扩容。"中国(海南)改革发展研究院院长迟福林表示，香港 70%的货物贸易和40%以上的服务贸易都在RCEP地区，香港的加入会大大提升RCEP的国际 ...