AEM ENDS ON A SUCCESS NOTE WITH DIVERSE ISSUES DISCUSSED

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 28 (Bernama) -- The Asean Economic Ministers' (AEM) Retreat here
ended Sunday on a success note, with diverse issues impacting Asean's
competitiveness and its ability to remain a favoured destination discussed
extensively.

The ministers also reviewed the progress on the implementation of the Asean
Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint measures, said the International Trade and
Industry Ministry in a statement.

"Implementation of the AEC measures, especially in the trading of goods, has
been satisfactory with total compliance," said the ministry.

However, there are specific challenges that needed to be addressed quickly to
ensure the implementation of the AEC was on track.

The ministers noted that there are gaps in the implementation of some
commitments, thus hampering free movements of goods, services and investments in
the region.

The areas highlighted include elimination of non-tariff barriers, increasing
efficiency of customs clearance, harmonising standards and removing duplication
of testing and certification procedures.

International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed
reiterated the need for Asean members to comply and implement the commitments on
timely basis.

He also voiced concern on Asean member states adopting new trade measures that
are deemed to be trade restrictive by the private sector.

He proposed a more structural mechanism for ministers to consult and discuss
concerns related to non-tariff barriers.

Mustapa also raised the need to work with dialogue partners comprising China,
Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand to enhance trade ties.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to conclude the Asean-India Agreement
on services and Asean-India Agreement on Investment before the next Asean Summit
in October.

Also discussed was the need for Asean members to adopt self-certification Scheme
for preferential tariff under the various free trade agreements.

Malaysia will participate in a pilot project under the scheme with a few Asean
member states expected to be undertaken later this year.
-- BERNAMA