RCEP nations target final 10-day window to close talks by October 22

India aims to finalise import cap mechanism, tariff reduction before Nov 4 deadline

Countries negotiating the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have now decided on a final 10-day window to bilaterally sort out pending differences in the mega trade deal, after which the leaders of the 16 nations will step in. 

With last week’s ministerial meet proving inconclusive, a decision on crucial trade differences in 14 areas — if not resolved — will be taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he attends the 3rd RCEP leaders’ summit next month. 

“All issues not closed by October 22 will be taken up by the leaders when they meet on November 4 in Bangkok,” a source