RHTLaw Taylor Wessing’s ASEAN Plus Group network of eight regional law firms from ASEAN participated in a conference this week examining the progress of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), as part of its first anniversary celebrations held in Singapore.

Focusing on the imminent role of the AEC in the global market, the conference covered a range of topics including implementation of ASEAN FTAs, negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the current ASEAN economic situation.

H.E. Dr. AKP Mochtan, deputy secretary general of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, was the guest of honour of the event, and he delivered the conference’s keynote address. Speakers and panelists from across industries spoke on the advantages ASEAN businesses hold in the global market and the critical role the AEC will play in integrating these advantages with opportunities.

“Now is the ideal time for doing business in Asia” as said by RHTLaw Taylor Wessing’s deputy managing partner and chairman of the ASEAN Plus Group Azman Jaafar seemed to be the key take away from the conference as the speakers ended on a note that the AEC, despite its initial hurdles, is a positive step forward.