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BANGKOK, Sept. 10-- Economic ministers from 10 ASEAN Member States, China, Japan and South Korea on Tuesday reaffirmed their strong commitment to upholding the multilateral trading system and reiterated their full support to the endeavor to reform the World Trade Organization (WTO). The economic ministers met on Tuesday in Bangkok for the 22nd ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Plus Three Consultations. In a joint media statement, the ministers noted the global outlook in economic and trade performance and the recent moderation of growth. "While noting that trade continues to expand between ASEAN and the Plus Three countries, the Ministers cautioned against rising trade tensions and its impact on growth," the statement said. The ministers expressed concern over the rising tide of protectionism and anti-globalization sentiments that continue to plague the global economy and put the multilateral trading system at risk. They thus reaffirmed their strong commitment to upholding an open, inclusive, transparent, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system. They also reaffirmed their support for enhanced regional economic integration. The ministers welcomed the progress in the negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and reiterated their full support towards the conclusion of the RCEP negotiations in 2019 as mandated by the RCEP leaders, to create a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial agreement. | 
