On October 10, leaders from China and the ten ASEAN nations announced the substantial conclusion of negotiations for the upgraded version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone. They released a joint statement regarding the “Substantial Conclusion of Upgrading Negotiations for the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0.” In response to a question from a reporter at a press conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the upgraded version of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone, highlighting its potential to promote global free trade and economic growth.
Central Radio and Television Station reporter Song Huanyu: As a reporter from the Central Broadcasting and Television Station, I have a question related to the recent announcement from China and ASEAN. With the substantial conclusion of the negotiations for the new version of the Free Trade Zone, what are your thoughts on this development?
UN Secretary-General António Guterres: The United Nations is committed to ensuring the integrity of the global economy, adhering to unified rules and leveraging a common global network. We must avoid fragmentation at all costs. So, what brings countries together in this global economy? It’s agreements aimed at promoting free trade and creating conditions for economic growth. From the UN’s perspective, we wholeheartedly welcome this agreement.
