ASEAN plus Japan, China, S.Korea reaffirm commitment to free multilateral trade

Finance chiefs and central bank governors from ASEAN+3 reaffirmed their full commitment to free multilateral trade. The group includes the 10 ASEAN nations, Japan, China, and South Korea.Their joint statement followed a meeting held in Italy on Sunday.

It emphasized support for a rules-based, non-discriminatory trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core. Officials noted rising global uncertainties and warned that growing protectionism threatens trade and investment flows.The statement called for stronger intra-regional trade and investment cooperation. 

The group expressed concern that U.S. tariff measures could affect the regional economy. Japan’s finance minister said his country would urge the U.S. to review its trade policy. ASEAN+3 members agreed to continue coordination with regional and global partners.