KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — The South-east Asian bloc Asean today signed an upgraded free trade agreement with economic powerhouse China on the final day of the 47th Asean Summit here.

The agreement, known as the upgraded Asean-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0), was signed by Asean Economic Ministers’ Chair Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz and China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, witnessed by the prime ministers of both countries.

It was then handed over to Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.

Established in 2010, the agreement is a comprehensive framework to reduce tariffs and facilitate trade between China and all Asean member states.

The upgraded 3.0 version aims to enhance regional economic resilience and underscores the bloc’s shared commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

It is designed to deepen tariff reductions and address emerging areas such as the digital economy, sustainability, and the proliferation of non-tariff barriers.