Hanoi (VNA) - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is seekingmore partnerships between small and medium-sized enterprises in ASEAN countriesand Japan.
Singapore Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing made the statement duringa meeting of ASEAN trade ministers and Japanese Economy, Trade and IndustryMinister Hiroshige Seko held in Singapore on August 30.
Chan highlighted the long-lasting ASEAN-Japan ties while, while stressing potentialfor expanding economic cooperation to newer areas such as the digital economyand innovation.
The minister said it is important for micro, small and mediumenterprises in ASEAN and Japan to build partnerships and networks to harnesspotential opportunities.
ASEAN is seeking Japan's support in ensuring that its markets will remain openand competitive, especially in an increasingly challenging global economicclimate, he added.
He emphasised the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnershipby the end of this year as both sides’ shared goal.
Japan was ASEAN's fourth-largest trading partner in 2017 with two-way tradereaching 218 billion USD, accounting for 8.5 percent of ASEAN's total trade.
Japan was the second-largest source of foreign direct investment for the regionlast year, accounting for nearly 10 percent of flows to the group.-VNA
Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh led a Vietnamese delegation to attend the 9th ASEAN-Japan Defence Vice-Ministerial Forum that opened in Fukuoka, Japan, on September 13.
A three-day regional collaboration drill beginning on March 26 at Hoa Xuan Stadium in the central city of Da Nang drew more than 200 members of emergency medical teams (EMTs) from 10 ASEAN countries and Japan to test medical response to disasters.
The Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Center (VNCERT) hosted the 2018 ASEAN -Japan information security drill, which took place in Hanoi, central Da Nang city and Ho Chi Minh City on May 23.
Japan reiterated its support for the central role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the regional architecture at the 33rd ASEAN-Japan Forum held in Tokyo on June 13.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh led a delegation to attend the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference sessions with its partners, namely Japan, China, Russia and New Zealand, held in Singapore on August 2 within the framework of the 51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 51).
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
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.
