RCEP in the Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery

Virtually signed by 15 Asian countries in 2020, RCEP has become the world’s largest trade deal in history. Entering into force in early 2022, this free trade agreement is considered key to post-COVID-19 economic recovery. However, considering the countries’ economic differences, rationales and impacts caused by the pandemic, to what extent will RCEP boost the member countries’ economic recovery, particularly Cambodia? This article discusses the potential effects of RCEP, identifies its specific challenges, and is followed by the analysis of its implications for Cambodia.