Australia has ratified a massive free trade deal with Asia-Pacific nations but insists the move does not change the government’s “grave concerns” about the political situation enveloping fellow signatory Myanmar.
When in force for all 15 signatories, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership will be the world’s biggest trade agreement, covering 2.2 billion people and 29 per cent of global economic output.
The 15 nations included in the deal are Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei – along with Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
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