摘要：On March 26, 2025, at the panel discussion “Unlocking Greater Potential of Regional Free Trade Agreements” at Boao Forum for Asia’

On March 26, 2025, at the panel discussion “Unlocking Greater Potential of Regional Free Trade Agreements” at Boao Forum for Asia’s Annual Conference 2025, former Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty NATALEGAWA shared valuable insights regarding the future development of RCEP and ASEAN’s leadership role.

Mr. NATALEGAWA noted that the world is entering an era of fragmentation, division, and the weaponization of global issues, including trade, and stressed that “we cannot be simply business as usual”.

At the top level, he called for stronger political leadership to guide regional trade cooperation amid growing global uncertainty. He urged RCEP member states to consistently speak with “one coherent voice” in support of open and inclusive trade, noting that unity at the leadership level is essential to counter rising protectionism and fragmentation.

At the grassroots level, he emphasized the need for stakeholder engagement to ensure that trade agreements are not just words on paper. He stressed that free trade must translate into concrete and visible benefits for businesses, workers, and consumers. He noted that the spirit of free trade cannot simply be legislated, highlighting the importance of public trust, participation, and real-world impact.

Reflecting on RCEP’s origins, he reaffirmed its vision as an ASEAN-led initiative connecting existing Free Trade Agreements with key partners. He stressed that ASEAN’s centrality must be maintained, and identified India’s absence as the most significant gap in realizing a truly Asia-Pacific trade framework.

来源：小亮课堂