On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the International Webinar themed “ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement: History, Politics, and Policies Development for Economic Growth” was successfully held by the Faculty of Law, Universitas Internasional Batam. This webinar took place online via the Zoom platform from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Jakarta Time and was attended by academics, professionals, and students from various countries. The event aimed to discuss the historical development, political dynamics, and policy frameworks of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) and its implications for regional economic growth.
The event commenced with an opening speech by Ninne Zahara Silviani, S.H., M.H., who served as the moderator from the ASEAN Studies Centre, Universitas Internasional Batam. In her introduction, she highlighted the importance of understanding the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) in addressing global economic challenges. The main session featured four distinguished speakers from renowned academic institutions. Prof. Chuan Guan (John) Lee from the Faculty of Law, Renmin University of China, provided insights into the historical background and early development of ACFTA.
Rina Shahriyani Shahrullah, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Law, Universitas Internasional Batam, discussed the legal aspects and regulatory impacts of the free trade agreement on ASEAN member states. Dr. Sineenat Sermcheep from the ASEAN Studies Center, Chulalongkorn University, analyzed the influence of ACFTA on trade policies and economic stability in ASEAN. Assoc. Prof. Chaiwat Meesanthan, Ph.D., from the Institute of East Asian Studies, Thammasat University, shared Thailand’s perspective on ACFTA’s role in enhancing economic competitiveness in Southeast Asia.
The discussion was highly interactive, with a Q&A session moderated by Ninne Zahara Silviani, S.H., M.H. Participants actively engaged by raising questions on the impact of ACFTA on foreign investment, economic protectionism policies in ASEAN countries, and geopolitical challenges affecting the agreement’s implementation. Prof. Chuan Guan (John) Lee emphasized that the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement is not merely an economic treaty but also a diplomatic effort that strengthens multilateral relations between ASEAN and China. Meanwhile, Dr. Sineenat Sermcheep highlighted that ACFTA’s impact extends beyond trade in goods and services, influencing economic policies towards greater openness and competitiveness in Southeast Asia.
The webinar concluded with a group photo session and an expression of appreciation to the speakers for their valuable insights on the topic. Universitas Internasional Batam hopes that this discussion will contribute to the academic study and policy implementation of free trade in ASEAN and China.
Magister of Law,
Universitas Internasional Batam
