Kuala lumpur: The upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), which grants greater concessions or preferential treatment for goods traded among member states, is expected to reach over 99 percent openness in regional trade flows, said ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Deputy Secretary-General, Satvinder Singh, today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the much-heralded and enhanced ATIGA will deliver significant benefits for ASEAN as the bloc continues its efforts to address key regional challenges to trade-particularly the prevalence of non-tariff barriers (NTBs), estimated at between 5,000 and 7,000 across the region. Satvinder Singh noted that NTBs have been a considerable challenge, particularly in managing disputes, as businesses have arbitration options and ASEAN has its own arbitration mechanisms.
To counter these challenges, the upgraded ATIGA introduces an alternative dispute resolution mechanism of mediation. This mechanism will enable exporters to engage regulators and counterparts in discussion and mediation, aiming to resolve the issues posed by non-tariff barriers. Singh highlighted this during a presentation on the enhanced ATIGA at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2025, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
Additionally, all 10 ASEAN countries have agreed to address the issue of circular trade. The upgraded ATIGA will allow re-manufacturing to flow freely within ASEAN for the first time. This development is expected to attract a new generation of foreign direct investment focused on the recycled circular economy, potentially leading to job creation, increased revenues, and the emergence of new industries.
The agreement also ensures that the ASEAN single window and the ASEAN customs transit system, along with the authorised economic operator and mutual recognition arrangements, are incorporated and more effectively implemented for trade facilitation in ASEAN. This integration is anticipated to make the movement of goods across borders quicker, more efficient, and cost-effective.
ASEAN member states are expected to sign the upgraded ATIGA at the 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled to take place from October 26-28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The summit will be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and will focus on the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.'