Jakarta, Sept. 19 -- Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today attended the Joint Meeting of the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and 40th ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Council Meeting today in Manila, the Philippines.

The Meeting discussed the implementation of the current ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) as well as the preparatory work for the early entry into force of the Second Protocol to Amend the ATIGA (Upgraded ATIGA). The Meeting also discussed trade facilitation measures, such as the expansion of the ASEAN Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA) and the enhanced ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS). These discussions aim to reinforce ASEAN as a single market and production base whil...