Southeast Asian leaders affirm free trade goals

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have reaffirmed their commitment to open trading systems that have underpinned their economic growth.

The leaders met Thursday in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the group will redouble efforts to reach a "substantial conclusion" to a regional trade arrangement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, by the end of the year.

That initiative includes China, India and Japan, but not the United States. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said ASEAN, which includes wealthy Singapore and poorer countries like Myanmar and Laos, also is determined to close gaps in development within ASEAN.

He said: "This is important, to make sure that no one is left behind."