Parties to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN held the inaugural CPTPP-ASEAN Trade and Investment Dialogue amid the challenging context of global trading system. This demonstrates their shared commitment to upholding a multilateral trading system that is rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, free and fair, equitable, sustainable, and transparent, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.

CPTPP and ASEAN member states convened the inaugural CPTPP–ASEAN Trade and Investment Dialogue on 20 November 2025, held in a hybrid format in Melbourne, Australia, as part of the 9th Meeting of the CPTPP Commission. Four ASEAN members—Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Viet Nam—are also CPTPP parties.

Photo: The Vietnamese delegation attending the 9th CPTPP Commission Meeting and related events, including the CPTPP–ASEAN Dialogue (Source: Industry and Trade Newspaper).

The Dialogue identified tangible areas of cooperation to explore, including trade and investment facilitation, digital trade, supply chain resilience, and regulatory coherence. The launch of this Dialogue affirmed the shared commitment of both to maintaining a fair and open trading system that is transparent, predictable, and rules-based. According to the Joint Statement of the inaugural Dialogue, the CPTPP–ASEAN shared understanding reflects the high standards of the CPTPP as well as ASEAN’s competitiveness and vibrancy  as an integrated regional trading bloc. Member countries recognise the importance of this shared understanding in supporting sustainable growth, regional integration, fostering a predictable trading environment and advancing cooperation in the digital economy.

Photo: H.E. Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien exchanging views with Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (ASEAN Chair 2025) Liew Chin Tong on the sidelines of the 9th CPTPP Commission Meeting (Source: Industry and Trade Newspaper).

In addition to the CPTPP–ASEAN Dialogue, a Trade and Investment Dialogue between the CPTPP and the European Union (EU) was also held. These initiatives aim to promote connectivity among member economies of the CPTPP, EU, and ASEAN to fully leverage potential cooperation opportunities amid an increasingly volatile global economic and trade landscape.

The next CPTPP–ASEAN Trade and Investment Dialogue is scheduled to take place in 2026, when Viet Nam assumes the role of CPTPP Chair.

During the 9th CPTPP Commission Meeting, CPTPP members also announced that they have identified four aspirants who are in line with the Auckland Principles, including two ASEAN members—the Philippines and Indonesia. CPTPP members will commence accession processes with them in 2026, if appropriate.

The 9th Meeting of the CPTPP Commission and its related events, including the CPTPP–ASEAN Trade and Investment Dialogue, were held from 20–21 November 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, and achieved significant outcomes, including the Joint Statement and priorities for 2026. Participating in the meeting were Ministers and senior officials from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Viet Nam, and the United Kingdom. The Vietnamese delegation was led by H.E. Minister Nguyen Hong Dien, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, and departments/agencies of the Ministry of Industry and Trade./.

Source: Compiled by the Multilateral Trade Policy Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam