THE Asean-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol was signed on Tuesday, signalling a significant step forward in economic collaboration between Asean member states and China.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz signed the agreement alongside the Asean Economic Ministers chair and China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
At 9.16am, Tengku Zafrul handed the signed protocol to Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, formalising its adoption just prior to the 28th Asean–China Summit.
Anwar said the agreement marks a “new chapter in the partnership,” demonstrating a shared commitment to fair trade, digital transformation, and sustainable energy.
Tengku Zafrul highlighted that Asean-China trade reached US$772.2 billion (RM3.24 trillion) last year, with China remaining the region’s largest trading partner amid a complex global economic landscape.
The upgraded protocol modernises the framework established in 2010, introducing cooperation in the digital economy, green development, and supply chain resilience, while improving customs procedures and market access for goods, services, and investments.
It also promotes support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan described the development as “very positive for Asean nations,” noting that it would allow better coordination of trade efforts both within Asean and with China.
“There will also be other bilateral meetings taking place today, including between Australia and New Zealand,” he added.
The ACFTA framework traces its origins to the Asean-China Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation signed in 2002, which led to the formal launch of the free trade area on 1 January 2010.
Since then, trade and investment between Asean and China have grown significantly, supported by the original framework and the 2004 Asean-China FTA.
The signing reinforces Asean-China relations and their shared aim of building a more connected, inclusive, and resilient regional economy - October 28, 2025
