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.