ASEAN signs off on Japan trade pact

Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have signed a deal

to tear down trade barriers between the world’s second-largest economy

(China) and the 10-member bloc, which includes Cambodia. The deal,

which is set to come into effect later this year, was formally signed

on April 14 by Malaysia, the last of the 10 ASEAN members to sign off.

Under the pact, which was finalized in November, about 90 percent of

trade between Asia’s largest economy and the ASEAN bloc will be

tariff-free within 10 years. (AFP)