The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a vital framework in furthering regional and global economic integration amidst heightened protectionism and anti-globalisation sentiments. The paper tries to discern how the RCEP, as one of the largest trade agreements in the world, serves to stimulate economic integration within the Asia-Pacific area through trade liberalisation, encouraging investment flows, and integrating regional supply chains. The paper further studies the possibility of the RCEP serving as a global trade agreement model through regulatory harmonisation, lowering trade barriers, and fostering sustainable economic practices. The paper also considers the implications of the RCEP on small and medium-sized enterprises (SME s) and local industries to demonstrate how it supports inclusive growth and regional economic resilience. In addition, the paper offers critical perspectives and comparative analysis, highlighting the RCEP’s limited commitments on labour and environmental standards relative to agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union (EU) Single Market. Ultimately, the RCEP represents a pragmatic step toward economic integration, but its long-term significance will depend on whether it evolves into a platform that balances economic ambition with stronger social, environmental, and institutional commitments.