TOKYO — The following is the gist of a statement issued by the United States and 12 other countries upon the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity on Monday.
IPEF:
— is joined by the United States, Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.
— participants acknowledge that deepening economic engagement among them is crucial for growth, peace and prosperity.
— will focus on four pillars — trade, supply chains, clean energy and infrastructure, and tax and anti-corruption.
— participants will launch discussions toward future negotiations on the four pillars.
— members invite participation from additional Indo-Pacific partners that share their goals and interests.