Introduction

The Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative is funded by both the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. It assists ASEAN Member States (AMS) in meeting their commitments and realising the advantages offered by the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.

Through the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) and the RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP), RT4D provides tailored support to enhance the capabilities of ASEAN Member States by strengthening skills, building networks, facilitating policy options, and ensuring that trade benefits everyone, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women and people with disabilities.

The Governments of Australia and New Zealand have committed up to AUD 48.7 million to fund RT4D from 2020-21 to 2027-28. Separately, the Government of Australia also funds up to AUD 5 million for the Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI) from 2022-23 to 2026-27.

 

ASEAN Countries Map

The ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA)

AANZFTA stands as a cornerstone of regional economic cooperation. It provides a strong framework for ASEAN Member States to work in close partnership with Australia and New Zealand to foster trade integration and facilitate investment.

Since its inception in January 2010, AANZFTA has delivered substantial tariff reductions and provided increased certainty for services suppliers and investors, maintaining its status as a high-quality FTA.

Visit ASEAN's AANZFTA website to learn more about benefits of AANZFTA and the ASEAN Secretariat’s role in supporting the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement.

Visit Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (AANZFTA) for more information.

Visit New Zealand Government - Foreign Affairs and Trade (AANZFTA) for more information.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement

RCEP is a significant ASEAN-led regional free trade agreement that enhances Australia and New Zealand’s existing trade relationships with 13 Indo-Pacific nations. Effective from 1 January 2022, RCEP is now the world’s largest trade pact by members’ GDP. RCEP's potential lies in its 15 participating countries, representing nearly half the world’s population and a significant share of global GDP and exports.

Visit ASEAN’s RCEP website to learn more about benefits of RCEP and the ASEAN Secretariat’s role in supporting the implementation of the Free Trade Area.

Visit Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (RCEP) for more information.

Visit New Zealand Government - Foreign Affairs and Trade (RCEP)for more information.

Woman in headscarf and man in apron

Gender Equality, Disability, and Social and Inclusion (GEDSI)

Curious about how GEDSI is mainstreamed in our projects? Visit our GEDSI page.