The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognised the Cambodian government’s training and cash-payments initiatives among drastic measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phnom Penh (VNA) 🌸– The InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF) has recognised the Cambodian government’s training andcash-payments initiatives among drastic measures in response to the COVID-19pandemic.
In its report — entitled “Policy advice to Asia in theCOVID-19 era” released earlier this month, the IMF said the pandemic has stark impacts on the region, withbusiness shutdowns and collapsing demand causing widespread job losses.
Some jobs maynever return as the world adjusts to a new, post-COVID reality. Nearly allcountries in the region have introduced new measures in response to thepandemic.
The report stated that cash transfers have been given in more thanhalf of the countries in the region. In some cases, they were unconditional.But in most cases, they were targeted – to low-income households.
Unemployment benefits have been expanded in Indonesia,and subsidised training introduced in Cambodia, the report said.
According to the report, national capacity is the key to address future challenges.However, middle-income countries which lack mechanisms like unemployment insurancehave been most active in introducing new measures.
Cambodia, starting with very little in the way of socialprotection generally, has used a system designed to identify those living inpoverty to deliver cash transfers, the report said.
COVID-19 wreaked havoc to the Cambodianeconomy, which experienced a loss of up to 250 million USD in the past year.
🗹 The Cambodian government has disbursed about 291 million USD to save more than692,000 vulnerable families during pandemic. Around 2.7 million Cambodians havebenefited from the government’s cash assistance./.
The Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has called for preparations for vaccination of garment workers, as the government prioritised them in the list of people to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on March 24 called on the six Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) countries to continue showing solidarity to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
After several days with more than 100 new cases of COVID-19 each day, Cambodia reported just 40 new infections cases on March 29 morning, along with six recoveries.
The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has announced that vaccinations for foreigners living in the country will begin on a voluntary basis.
Thailand emits roughly 350 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, with the energy and industrial sectors accounting for more than 75% of this amount. Though this volume represents just 1% of global emissions, the Thai Government is eager to achieve carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption, by 2050.
The Malaysian government is undertaking a structured assessment to examine the role of nuclear power as a potential option for clean, stable, and competitive electricity within Malaysia’s future energy mix.
It aims to identify and honour digital technology initiatives, products, and solutions with practical applications; promote creativity in technology development; anticipate trends and development potential in digital technology; and recognise the role of digital technology in economic growth and enhancing quality of life for citizens in ASEAN countries.
Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Simon D.I. Soekamo, the rotating Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the bloc's spirit of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirmed ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue.
Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
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.
Illustrative image (Photo: //www.khmertimeskh.com/) 
