In the absence of MES, the transparency of information on a trade transaction is not taken at a face value.

The ten-member ASEAN, a regional grouping of Southeast Asian nations, and India are now trying to fast-track negotiations on services and investment, after sealing a FTA on goods.

The FTA on goods with the 42-year-old ASEAN, which was finalized in August, will be implemented from January 1, 2010.

Leaders from the ASEAN, India, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia are attending the East Asia Summit being held on the sidelines of the 15th ASEAN Summit in Thailand.

Source: Thanh Nien