Thailand and Iran have agreed on reviving bilateral economic and trade relations, covering food and energy security, with two-way trade set to reach 3 billion USD by 2021.
Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand and Iran have agreed on reviving bilateral economic and trade relations, covering food and energy security, with two-way trade set to reach 3 billion USD by 2021, accordinওg to Thai News Agency (TNA).
Thai Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn told reporters on October 10, after the First Iran-Thailand Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting in Bangkok, that his country can support food security in Iran and can be a gateway for Iran to the growing markets of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, known as the CLMV group in the ASEAN Community (AC).
Meanwhile, Iran can support energy security in Thailand and can be a gateway for Thailand to countries in the land-locked Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), where there are over 300 million consumers.
Both sides agreed to conduct a feasibility study on the Preferential Trading Arrangement (PTA), expected to be completed by mid-2017, he added.
Besides, Iran is looking into the Thai rice standard in order to start importing the product as soon as possible, while Thailand targets to export 700,000 tonnes of rice to Iran annually.
In return, Thailand is ready to import crude oil and natural gas from Iran and wants to invest in energy businesses in the Middle East country, including alternative energy projects.
The Thai minister noted that Tehran and Bangkok will restore energy cooperation based on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 2004 and Thailand will host a joint energy meeting early next year.
During the JTC meeting, both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation on the Halal standard and tourism, along with discussing a clear guideline on payment mechanisms to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries.
Currently, Iran is Thailand’s ninth largest trading partner in the Middle East and bilateral trade last year stood at 310 million USD with Thailand gaining a trade surplus.-VNA
At the national level, the Indonesian Government is building a digital HR ecosystem, with the target of producing 9 million digital talents, including AI professionals, by 2030.
Indonesia is committed to pursuing a proactive foreign principle in both political and economic affairs amid rising global geopolitical tensions, according to Indonesian Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati.
Minister Sulaiman issued a 14-day deadline for businesses to rectify practices, while cautioned that failure to comply would prompt strict enforcement measures.
In their statement, the ministers expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East since June 13 and welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 24. They called on all parties to respect the ceasefire and avoid further escalation of the conflict.
The top three categories of illegal health product listings detected and removed by HSA consisted of medicine for skin and hair conditions (37%); antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral creams, tablets or capsules (15%); and unregistered contact lenses (13%).
Rudy Salim, executive chairman of Prestige Aviation – the company that introduced the EHang 216-S to Indonesia, said its agenda is to continue test flights, so that this can become a future mode of tourism and transportation.
Startup ASEAN platform brings all stakeholders together under one digital roof, expected to promote open innovation, improve access to capital, and strengthen ASEAN’s position as a dynamic and connected innovation powerhouse.
Indonesia as an appealing destination for investment in energy transition. It is Southeast Asia’s largest energy consumer and the region’s fourth most populous country. However, the majority of the country's existing power plants still rely on fossil fuels.
The Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore urged all Vietnamese firms trading with Singapore to seriously comply with its legal regulations, particularly customs requirements.
The Grandma Island soccer team was about to go to compete for Setokok Island, Batam city. In the middle of the trip, the boat was hit by waves and overturned.
Mexico's Nuevo León leaders underscored the state’s keen interest in partnering with ASEAN – a region known for dynamic economic growth, a young population, an expanding middle class, and a growing role in global supply chains.
Thailand has imposed a comprehensive ban on electronic waste imports as it grapples with a burgeoning e-waste problem. A 2021 report from the Pollution Control Department revealed that the country generates over 400,000 tonnes of domestic electronic waste annually.
Phuket airport authorities said the incident did not affect flights or airport operations, and security personnel are also stepping up surveillance in public areas, with CCTV covering all the airport area.
The facility will integrate multiple components, including mining operations, a smelter, high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) processing, and production of precursors and cathodes.
A participant in the Malaysia Economic Forum 2025 said despite challenges, there are significant opportunities in AI, digital transformation, and green technologies, requiring the country to balance both risk and potential thoughtfully.
Themed “emerging trends in terrorism and violent extremism”, the event drew over 200 participants from domestic and international agencies, discussing the rapid evolution of terrorism and the need for stronger regional and global cooperation.
Indonesia aims to start nuclear power generation by 2034, with a government roadmap already in place to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) with capacities ranging from 300 to 500 megawatts.
