KUALA LUMPUR /Malaysia/, November 22. /TASS/. The formation of a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Indonesia is set to become a pivotal step in establishing a full-fledged trade zone with the Association of Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN), Program Director of Russia’s Valdai Discussion Club Yaroslav Lissovolik said following the club’s meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
"What seems most promising is the creation of a free trade zone with Jakarta, which is one of the largest Southeast Asian markets and a member of G20," he said, pointing out "the trade and economic cooperation with Indonesia that has been established over the past several years." "That would become the most notable event opening the door to a full-fledged free trade zone between ASEAN and EAEU," Lissovolik said.
He added that "the signing of a respective agreement with Singapore is expected within months," which will become "one of game-changing steps of Russia and its partners within the economic union in the Asian direction." "Singapore is the key point for entering the region, particularly ASEAN," the expert emphasized.
