Finding the right balance

Regional cooperation requires innovative thinking and approaches in line with realities of respective economies

At the Seventh East Asia Summit held at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, a consensus was reached on launching negotiations for the China-Japan-Republic of Korea Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, in pursuit of an Asian free economic zone.

In the context of intensified maritime territorial disputes among some Asian countries, the consensus enhanced confidence that Asian countries will unite and pursue common interests, and showed their commitment to making unremitting efforts for regional cooperation.