As a proposed trade partnership between the Asean nations and their six dialogue partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, RCEP is seen as an alternative to the TPP. The RCEP is "the only viable game in town"; that is to say, the one regional integration pact formally left standing, albeit far from completion. While the legacy of the TPP is rich, the likelihood that it ever enters into force as it was meant to, is slim. And for that to happen, the deal itself must be rendered appealing for partners such as Russia, Canada or Peru. The associated theme is "Partnering for Change, Engaging the World", and this is precisely what RCEP negotiators are tasked with.

Source: Bangkok Post March 17, 2017 21:56 UTC