ASEAN concludes talks on trade deal upgrade: DPM Gan

ASEAN members plan to sign the upgraded ATIGA at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025.

Negotiations on the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) upgrade have concluded, highlighting the bloc’s commitment to “building a more seamless and resilient economic region,” according to Gan Kim Yong, deputy prime minister and minister for trade and industry.

He added that this also maintains consistent trade rules that help businesses navigate an increasingly unstable global economy.

The negotiations were concluded at the 25th ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, which Gan attended.

As next steps, ASEAN members plan to sign the upgraded ATIGA at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025.

Gan said that businesses stand to benefit from an improved regional ecosystem for flows of goods within ASEAN when the upgraded ATIGA comes into force.

“ASEAN’s focus on digitalisation, sustainability, and expanding global cooperation ensures our region remains open, connected, and future-ready,” Gan said.

“As we deepen region-to-region cooperation and harness opportunities in digitalisation and sustainability, Singapore will continue to work with our ASEAN and global partners to secure long-term growth, competitiveness, and shared prosperity."