RoK steps up defence cooperation with Philippines, Singapore
The Republic of Korea (RoK) signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation with the Philippines and Singapore on November 26 on the sidelines of the ASEAN-RoK Commemorative Summit in the southern port city of Busan.
Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) and his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte (Source: YONHAP/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Republicof Korea (RoK) signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) on defense cooperationwith the Philippines and Singapore on November 26 on the sidelines of the ASEAN-RoKCommemorative Summit in the southern port city of Busan.
The Korean Defense AcquisitionProgram Administration (DAPA) chief, Wang Jung-hong, and Philippine DefenseSecretary Delfin Lorenzana inked the deal on the procurement of specificdefense materials, according to the DAPA.
The arrangement is expected to allowmore Korean companies to be able to make contracts with the Philippinegovernment so as to promote their defense exports to the Southeast Asiancountry, the DAPA said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the agreement withSingapore was about exchanging information on chemical, biological andradiological fields, the DAPA said, adding it will serve as a basis for the twonations to share related technologies and experience.
The same day, Malaysian PrimeMinister Mahathir Mohamad visited the headquarters of Korea AerospaceIndustries, Ltd. in the city of Sacheon, South Gyeongsang province, andinspected indigenous aircraft, such as FA-50 fighters and KUH Surionhelicopters, the agency said.
Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiahalso toured the 5th Air Mobility Wing in Busan, it added.
The Association of Southeast AsianNations (ASEAN) comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam./.
The Republic of Korea (RoK) and Singapore have agreed to enhance cooperation in the financial technology (fintech) sector, according to the RoK’s Financial Services Commission (FSC).
The Republic of Korea (RoK) and Singapore on November 23 reached an agreement to strengthen partnerships in various fields, including developing weapons and smart cities on the basis of the bilateral traditional cooperation.
The Republic of Korea (RoK) and Cambodia have agreed to launch a joint feasibility study on their potential free trade agreement (FTA) in a move to promote economic ties and expand exchanges, the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said on November 25.
The leaders of the Republic of Korea (RoK) and the Philippines agreed on November 25 to make joint efforts to reach a deal in their free trade negotiations within next year.
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.
Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) and his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte (Source: YONHAP/VNA) 
