Frequently Asked Questions

The RT4D Facility, also known as The Facility, manages and delivers economic and technical support for the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement.

This is done through the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) and the RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP).

The Facility has a multi-country presence comprising of a head office in Jakarta, co-located with the ASEAN Secretariat, and satellite presences in Hanoi, Phnom Penh and Vientiane.

The AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) supports the AANZFTA Chapter on ‘Economic Cooperation’ and the Economic Cooperation Work Program (ECWP), by establishing a framework for trade and investment collaboration.

The ECWP offers technical assistance and capacity building to developing ASEAN countries, helping them implement AANZFTA. Economic cooperation is crucial to the success of AANZFTA.

To read more about AANZFTA, visit:

• ASEAN Secretariat (AANZFTA)
• Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (AANZFTA)
• New Zealand Government - Foreign Affairs and Trade (AANZFTA)

The RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP) supports the Economic and Technical Cooperation chapter of RCEP. This chapter provides a framework for achieving development goals by focusing on economic and technical cooperation, aiming to reduce development gaps and maximise mutual benefits.

The RCEP seeks to enhance regional trade and investment, contributing to global economic growth and development.

To read more about the RCEP agreement, visit:

• ASEAN Secretariat (RCEP)
• Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (RCEP)
• New Zealand Government - Foreign Affairs and Trade (RCEP)

ASEAN Member States may submit project proposals for support under AISP and RISP.

The Facility manages the delivery of economic and technical cooperation support for AANZFTA and RCEP through the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) and the RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP).

For enquiries relating to AISP and RISP contact: info@regional-trade4dev.org

Support depends on the nature of the project and is tailored towards the needs of ASEAN Member States. RT4D focuses on promoting the benefits of AANZFTA and RCEP, whilst emphasising Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI).

Examples of support include capacity building, technical assistance, in-country training, or regional workshops.

The RT4D Program provides support to businesses by:

• Providing economic and technical cooperation to ASEAN Member States (AMS)
• Tailoring assistance and facilitating partnerships to enhance comprehension of the regulatory environment and maximise the benefits of AANZFTA and RCEP agreements.
• Directly supporting ASEAN Member States through their government institutions, business associations, and regulatory bodies in disseminating essential knowledge to local businesses and networks.

Businesses operating within the ASEAN region have access to the benefits of both the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). These agreements are structured to enhance trade and economic cooperation among member countries by reducing trade barriers, simplifying customs procedures, and fostering investment.

Read more about RT4D Projects here.

Find out more about the RT4D Program here.

Learn more about the AANZFTA here:

• ASEAN Secretariat (AANZFTA)
• Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (AANZFTA)
• New Zealand Government - Foreign Affairs and Trade (AANZFTA)

Learn more about RCEP here:

• ASEAN Secretariat (RCEP)
• Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (RCEP)
• New Zealand Government - Foreign Affairs and Trade (RCEP)

Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is a crucial component in achieving the objectives of the RT4D program by:

• Fostering inclusive trade and sustainable development
• Raising awareness and enhancing understanding of the varying impact of trade on men, women, and marginalised groups, and
• Equipping trade officials and stakeholders with the skills to integrate a GEDSI perspective.

Through focused interventions, RT4D strives to ensure FTAs are implemented inclusively, broadening access to trade benefits for women and marginalised communities.

Read more about GEDSI and RT4D’s approach in implementing GEDSI here.

The Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI) helps advances gender equality within ASEAN trade by piloting innovative approaches and establishing a comprehensive evidence base for policymakers. This evidence base guides policymakers in creating trade systems that ensure equitable economic opportunities for all genders.

While the TGEI and the Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) initiative share a common goal of promoting gender equality, their scope of work differs significantly. GEDSI encompasses a broader focus, including disability and social inclusion, with a particular emphasis on raising awareness of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) among trade officials and the ASEAN Secretariat.

In contrast, the TGEI aims to drive transformative change by advancing gender equality beyond the implementation of FTAs. It extends its efforts to engage policymakers and focuses on projects and interventions that address structural barriers to gender equality. These include shifting gender social norms, challenging unequal power dynamics in decision-making, and advocating for policy changes that lead to inclusive outcomes.

Read more about TGEI and how to access funding here.

You can contact us on info@regional-trade4dev.org

AISP

The AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) operates under the governance of AANZFTA's key bodies leading strategic decisions and implementation. It is overseen by the AANZFTA Joint Committee (FJC) and supported by ten active Subsidiary Bodies (SBs).

The RT4D Facility supports ASEAN Member states in proposing and implementing projects aligned with their needs. Separately, the Facility also provides dedicated support through its Country Managers specifically for Cambodia Laos and Vietnam (CLV).

This framework supports inclusive economic growth across ASEAN, focusing on developing member countries' capacities.

Read more about the AISP here.

RISP

The RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP) allows ASEAN Member States to submit Project Proposals that address their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) implementation priorities and needs.

Similar to the AISP, the RT4D Facility supports ASEAN Member states in proposing and implementing projects aligned with their needs. Separately, the RT4D Facility provides dedicated support through its Country Managers specifically for Cambodia Lao PDR and Vietnam (CLV).

Read more about the RISP here.

Please visit ASEAN's AANZFTA Website and log in here.

For country-specific inquiries about the AANZFTA, you can visit here.