China is the world’s most populous country and is home to the world’s largest consumer market at 1.3 billion.  It is the world’s second largest economy in terms of GDP, behind the United States of America.   It is known for its manufactured exports. 

In 2002, China and ASEAN Countries signed the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation which formed the legal basis for the creation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA).    Under ACFTA are three agreements aiming for free flow of goods, services, and investments. 

• ASEAN-China Trade in Goods Agreement.  Provides for tariff reduction and elimination for tariff lines categorised as either ‘normal track’ or ‘sensitive track’.
• Agreement on Trade in Services.  Aims to liberalise and substantially eliminate discriminatory measures with respect to trade in services among the parties in various service sectors.
• Investment Agreement.  Seeking to promote and facilitate investment flows within the China and the region, this agreement provides elements that would ensure fair and equitable treatment for investors, non-discriminatory treatment on nationalisation or expropriation, and compensation for losses.