<p>
Even as India exited the 15 member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), it can join the trade pact anytime, Singapore&rsquo;s deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat said.</p>
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&ldquo;We fully appreciate why India is unable to join the RCEP at this moment. But the door remains open, and we welcome India to do so when you are ready,&rdquo; Heng said.</p>
<p>
Speaking at Confederation of Indian Industry&rsquo;s annual session, Heng said that for India, to fully achieve economic potential, it needs to further integrate its economy with Southeast Asia, &ldquo;The importance of collaboration to unlock India&rsquo;s vast potential means that India should consider greater economic integration with the region,&rdquo; he said.</p>
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<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/economy-news/adb-lowers-india-s-growth-projection-to-this-year-from-earlier-103767.html">ADB lowers India&#39;s growth projection to 10% this year from earlier 11%</a></strong></p>
<p>
The mega trade deal was signed in November last year between 15 countries — China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Brunei. India, which was part of the negotiations, pulled out at the last minute.</p>
<p>
Heng highlighted that India has an important role to play in contributing to the diversification of the global supply chain.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
The Singapore leader added New Delhi would need to work with partners as it aims to achieve self-reliance and build a &ldquo;stronger and more cohesive&rdquo; country especially in the post Covid-19 phase.</p>
<p>
He pointed out that India and ASEAN countries need to partner to boost connectivity and integrate economies &ldquo;Asean and India have many complementary strengths. We should build on these to restore connectivity, and enhance supply chains in the post-pandemic era,&rdquo; he said.</p>
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