The ASEAN bloc of Southeast Asian nations and China on Tuesday signed an upgrade to their free trade agreement, which includes sections on digital, the green economy and other new industries, Beijing's Commerce Ministry said.

Malaysia’s small business sector has hailed the 47th Asean Summit as a turning point for regional trade, with new agreements on green technology

Beijing and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have signed an expanded free trade agreement as both sides face increased protectionism from the United States.

ASEAN and China have signed an upgrade to their free trade agreement, strengthening regional economic cooperation and modernizing the bloc’s trade framework with its largest trading partner.

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is urging ASEAN and China to move quickly on thei upgraded trade deal to benefit businesses and people. He said the new Free Trade Area 3.0 agreement will strengthen economic links across Asia,

China and ASEAN have solidified their own free trade pact aimed at deepening cooperation and reducing reliance on the American export market.

The announcement came after China’s Premier Li Qiang called on his Asian counterparts to “uphold free trade and the multilateral trading system.”

The successful hosting of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits has highlighted Malaysia as a major power in world diplomacy, with the attendance of