Li urges RCEP to resolve outstanding issues

Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called upon participating countries of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to conclude talks on remaining issues and ensure the signing of the pact in its leaders' meeting next year.

In a speech delivered at the third RCEP leaders' meeting in Bangkok, the premier urged all countries involved to build on the momentum of the negotiation progress and ensure the benefits reach all peoples at an earlier date.

China stands ready to continue with joint efforts with various sides to further negotiate with India to solve the outstanding issues, and the country welcomes the participation of India as early as possible, he said.

After seven years of talks, 15 participating countries of the 16-nation RCEP have concluded their negotiations on the whole and made arrangements on the solving of remaining issues, the premier said.

The negotiations have taken into account the concerns and interest of all parties and showcased the converging interests of participating countries, he said.

It will help accelerate the course of economic integration and raise the expectations of participating countries to jointly guard against risks in the face of economic downward pressure and rising protectionism, he added.