# RCEP enters a new phase of expansion and upgrading

https://mins.news/en/item/84344

- CGTN, 2026-10-02 10:19 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-10-02/RCEP-enters-new-phase-of-expansion-and-upgrading-1QTyNROvSHS/p.html?UTM_Source=cgtn&UTM_Medium=rss&UTM_Campaign=China

> The fifth RCEP ministerial meeting, held in Manila on September 21, launched the partnership’s expansion process. Members agreed to form accession working groups for Bangladesh, Chile, Hong Kong, China, and Sri Lanka, noted Uruguay’s interest in joining, and advanced preparations for a 2027 review and rules upgrade covering possible areas such as the digital economy, green transformation and fair competition.