RECALLING the Joint Declaration on the Launch of Negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership adopted by the Heads of State or Government of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (hereinafter referred to as “ASEAN” in this Agreement) and Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand at Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 20 November 2012 which endorsed the

Guiding Principles and Objectives for Negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership; DESIRING to broaden and deepen economic integration in the region, strengthen economic growth and equitable economic development, and advance economic cooperation, through this Agreement, which will build upon existing economic linkages among the Parties; ASPIRING to strengthen their economic partnership to create new employment opportunities, raise living standards, and improve the general welfare of their peoples; SEEKING to establish clear and mutually advantageous rules to facilitate trade and investment, including participation in regional and global supply chains;