The meeting, from Friday to Sunday, will focus on the implementation of the Asean Charter and the Asean Economic Community (AEC) blueprint signed by Asean leaers at last year's summit.

In Bali, the ministers from the 10-member grouping will discuss the progress of some of the blueprint's measures. In particular, the status of development of the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the work done on the liberalisation of trade-in-services in the region, and the Asean Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA).

Ministers will also look at ways to develop a robust monitoring mechanism to track implementation and initiatives to increase awareness of the AEC blueprint.

In addition to internal integration issues, the ministers will meet with their dialogue partners to further deepen external partnerships and review the progress of some free trade negotiations.

Consultations will also be held with the US Trade Representative.

Mr Lim will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.