APEC leaders seek closer regional integration in Manila
Boosting regional cooperation is high on the agenda of the 23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC 23), which opened in Manila, the Philippines, on November 18.
President Truong Tan Sang (1st, right) talks with leaders of countries joining Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on the sidelines of APEC 23. (Photo: VNA)
Manila (VNA) – Boosting regional cooperation is high on the ag♈enda of the 23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC 23), which opened in Manila, the Philippines,🌼 on November 18.
The APEC 23, themed “Building inclusive economies, building a better world”, also gave priority to fostering small- and medium-sized enterprises’ participation in regional and global markets, investing in human capital development, and building sustainable and resilient communities.
At the APEC CEO Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for strengthening regional connectivity and speeding up the construction of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).
“To steer the giant ship of the Asia-Pacific in the right direction”, all economies must press ahead with reforms and innovation, build an open economy, implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and promote connectivity, Xi said in his keynote speech.
APEC leaders took a historic step forward by kicking off the FTAAP process at APEC 22 in Beijing last year, he noted, urging the members to accelerate the realiszation of the FTAAP and take regional economic integration forward.
Also on the sidelines of APEC 23, US met with his Filipino counterpart Benigno Aquino.
The two leaders agreed on the need for bold steps to ease tensions, including pledging to halt further reclamation and militarization of disputed areas in the East Sea.
Obama reiterated that disputes should be resolved peacefully based on international law.-VNA
President Truong Tan Sang has called on APEC enterprises to enhance their corporate social responsibility, continue supporting economies and people in boosting sustainable and inclusive development.
US President Barack Obama and his Filipino counterpart Benigno Aquino agreed that territorial tensions at sea should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law.
Leaders of the 12 Trans-Pacific Partnership member countries adopted a Joint Statement demonstrating their strong commitment to pushing ahead with the signing, ratification, and execution of the pact.
President Truong Tan Sang continued his hectic schedule in Manila, the Philippines, on November 18 as part of the 23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit week.
President Truong Tan Sang had a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Manila, the Philippines, on November 18 on the sideline of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
The facility was established in response to a growing shift in the Filipino labour force from the Middle East to Japan, where workers are seeking safer working environments.
In the latest Indonesia-US trade agreement in July, the US administration agreed to reduce the reciprocal tariff, which was initially set at 32% by US President Donald Trump last April, to 19%.
Real estate agency ERA Singapore estimated that there are 2,703 condo developments in Singapore today, of which 836 or 31% are at least 30 years old. In 10 years, this number is expected to climb to 1,160, assuming none is sold en bloc.
The new framework is designed to ensure that incoming investments deliver tangible national benefits, such as the creation of high-quality jobs for Malaysians and the development of local company ecosystems and technologies.
Singapore led with a total of 8.8 billion USD in realised investment, followed by Hong Kong and mainland China, Malaysia, and Japan with 8 billion USD, 1.7 billion USD and 1.6 billion USD, respectively.
Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on August 7 outlined his strategy for tackling drug problems in Thailand, aiming for a "Zero Drugs Thailand" within three months.
The US has described Malaysia's role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as vital in helping ease tension between Thailand and Cambodia.
President Truong Tan Sang (1st, right) talks with leaders of countries joining Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on the sidelines of APEC 23. (Photo: VNA)
