Entry into Force of the Second Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA)
21 April 2025
The Second Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) (Second Protocol) has entered-into-force today, marking a pivotal moment in the continued economic collaboration in deepening economic integration between ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand.
At a time of great challenge for the global trading system, AANZFTA’s continued relevance underscores the benefits of cooperation to uphold commitments to the principles of open, predictable and transparent rules-based multilateral trade, as well as the importance of cooperative, collective and regional efforts to liberalise markets and expand the benefits of trade.
Building on the foundation laid by the original AANZFTA, signed in 2009 and effective since 2010, the Second Protocol features substantial enhancements to 13 existing chapters, including areas such as Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Competition, and Electronic Commerce. Moreover, it introduces new chapters on trade and sustainable development, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and government procurement, reflecting a commitment to modernising and broadening the scope of regional trade. These improvements are designed to create a more seamless, resilient, and business-friendly environment across the region, ensuring that the agreement remains relevant in an evolving global trade landscape.
“The entry-into-force of the Second Protocol underscores our collective dedication to ensuring AANZFTA remains commercially relevant and beneficial for businesses across the region, while maintaining the region’s resilience and driving sustainable economic growth, particularly amidst global uncertainties,” stated Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
With parties encompassing a combined GDP of over USD 5.6 trillion and a population of 703 million, the AANZFTA continues to be a cornerstone for strengthening economic ties and promoting inclusive growth. The entry into force of the Second Protocol is expected to generate new trade and investment opportunities, benefitting from streamlined trade facilitation measures that will reduce transaction costs, enhance supply chain resilience, promote the adoption of digital technologies, and foster cooperation on trade and sustainable development.
ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand remain committed to the effective implementation of the Second Protocol, working closely with businesses and stakeholders to ensure the full realisation of its benefits and drive sustainable economic growth across the region.
ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand continue to value the support for implementation of AANZFTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) provided through the AUD$48.7 million Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative. RT4D projects respond to ASEAN’s trade policy priorities to maximise the benefits these agreements have for our communities.
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At a time of great challenge for the global trading system, AANZFTA’s continued relevance underscores the benefits of cooperation to uphold commitments to the principles of open, predictable and transparent rules-based multilateral trade, as well as the importance of cooperative, collective and regional efforts to liberalise markets and expand the benefits of trade.
Building on the foundation laid by the original AANZFTA, signed in 2009 and effective since 2010, the Second Protocol features substantial enhancements to 13 existing chapters, including areas such as Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Competition, and Electronic Commerce. Moreover, it introduces new chapters on trade and sustainable development, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and government procurement, reflecting a commitment to modernising and broadening the scope of regional trade. These improvements are designed to create a more seamless, resilient, and business-friendly environment across the region, ensuring that the agreement remains relevant in an evolving global trade landscape.
“The entry-into-force of the Second Protocol underscores our collective dedication to ensuring AANZFTA remains commercially relevant and beneficial for businesses across the region, while maintaining the region’s resilience and driving sustainable economic growth, particularly amidst global uncertainties,” stated Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
With parties encompassing a combined GDP of over USD 5.6 trillion and a population of 703 million, the AANZFTA continues to be a cornerstone for strengthening economic ties and promoting inclusive growth. The entry into force of the Second Protocol is expected to generate new trade and investment opportunities, benefitting from streamlined trade facilitation measures that will reduce transaction costs, enhance supply chain resilience, promote the adoption of digital technologies, and foster cooperation on trade and sustainable development.
ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand remain committed to the effective implementation of the Second Protocol, working closely with businesses and stakeholders to ensure the full realisation of its benefits and drive sustainable economic growth across the region.
ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand continue to value the support for implementation of AANZFTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) provided through the AUD$48.7 million Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative. RT4D projects respond to ASEAN’s trade policy priorities to maximise the benefits these agreements have for our communities.
Find more media releases