The pace of RCEP negotiations is heavily dependent on the progress of the achievement
of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint by 2015. This, in turn, is dependent
on domestic reforms, the alignment of the national economies to the regional
initiatives and the transparency in ‘behind-the-border’ measures including coordination between
negotiating and implementing agencies in ASEAN countries. These domestic policy
supports are critical stepping stones for the timely conclusion of RCEP negotiations. In this
regard, active participation of the private sector will be crucial