• The substantial gains expected from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) depend on the agreement’s effective implementation and development of its built-in agenda in key areas.

• Trade in services, investment, e-commerce and digital trade, among other behind-the-border areas, show relatively modest commitments.

• RCEP’s complex, lengthy tariff phasing down, rules of origin, and related administrative procedures are expected to delay the Agreement’s potential benefits and may deter firms from using RCEP’s trade preferences.