The continent is home to 77 intra-regional deals and 104 extra-regional ones and, as such, is party to 45% of the world’s preferential trade agreements. Indeed, a revamped agreement between ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand took effect on April 21st.

Asian shares are trading mixed, as worries crept back following a Wall Street rally that came after President Donald Trump appeared to back off his criticism of the Federal Reserve and his tough talk in his trade war.

Asian markets were mixed on Thursday as China poured cold water on US President Donald Trump's comments talking up the prospects of a deal to end their trade war.

Asian stocks climbed on Friday (Apr 25), buoyed by a rally on Wall Street, strong earnings from Google parent company Alphabet, and the prospect of diffusing tensions in the United States President Do

Asian stock markets rose Friday morning amid lingering hopes for trade deals between the U.S. and other countries.

Asian and European stocks climbed on Friday, buoyed by a rally on Wall Street, strong earnings from Google parent Alphabet, and hopes of diffusing tensions in US President Donald Trump's