ASEAN considering moratorium on new free trade talks, officials say

MANILA (AP) - Southeast Asia's regional bloc is considering a moratorium on new free-trade talks because ongoing negotiations with six countries have over-stretched resources and personnel, officials said Thursday.

Senior economic officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have recommended the moratorium to their trade ministers, who gather in Manila for an annual meeting Friday, Philippine Trade Secretary Peter Favila said.

ASEAN trade ministers would likely approve the proposal for convenience, but the 10-member bloc would remain open to enter into new free-trade talks as soon they finish ongoing ones, he said.