At the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Handover Ceremony of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) took place, witnessed by ASEAN Leaders. The Protocol is expected to modernize the legal framework of the existing ATIGA, facilitate intra-ASEAN trade, develop sustainable supply chains, support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and promote green, inclusive, and resilient trade in response to global economic dynamics.

On 26th October 2025, at the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the handover ceremony of the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) took place among the ASEAN Economic Ministers, witnessed by ASEAN Leaders.

At the ceremony, H.E. Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry of Malaysia and Chair of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Council, handed over the Protocol to H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN.

In his remarks, the ASEAN Secretary-General underlined that the handover represents a strong collective commitment of ASEAN Member States to advancing a modern, inclusive, and sustainable trade system, further deepening regional economic integration.

The Upgraded ATIGA introduces key amendments to enhance the resilience, efficiency, and adaptability of ASEAN’s trade framework in response to evolving regional and global economic dynamics. The revised Agreement aims to facilitate intra-ASEAN trade, strengthen regional supply chain connectivity, promote green and sustainable trade practices, and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to better integrate into regional trade networks.

According to the agreed provisions, the Protocol will enter into force 18 months after all ASEAN Member States complete their signing. 

The completion of the Second Protocol marks an important milestone in ASEAN’s ongoing efforts to modernize and strengthen the legal foundation of the ATIGA. This achievement demonstrates ASEAN’s determination to build a dynamic, cohesive, and resilient ASEAN Economic Community, contributing to sustainable growth and shared prosperity in the region.

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