These factors became very apparent during the November 2012 ASEAN summit,
when two different approaches to trade liberalisation became clear. One is the ASEAN-led
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the other is the US-led Trans-
Pacific Partnership (TPP). It was also decided during the meetings that the US will be able
to build its trade relationship with ASEAN through the Expanded Economic Engagement
(E3) initiative