China and the Association of South East Asian Nations are nearing agreement on two air service pacts that would mark a big move towards open skies across a vast area of the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore's transport minister said yesterday.
Raymond Lim, who is also second foreign minister, said talks between Asean and China to establish “a liberal air services regime” were expected to be concluded this year after six years of talks.
He said ministers were also near agreement on plans to replace a two-year old pact allowing limited competition on routes between Asean capitals with a fresh deal allowing virtually unrestricted competition within five years.