The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting was held in Cebu Island of the Philippines on September 10.
Opening the event, Philippine National Treasurer Roberto Tan said it is imperative for APEC member economies to enhance the financial integration to boost intra-regional trade and investment.
He also called for fiscal reforms to make policy more effective and underlined the significance of public-private partnerships in meeting the region’s infrastructure needs.
The meeting took place amid growing concern over the growth slowdown of China, the world’s second biggest economy, and recent fluctuations in global financial markets following Beijing’s devaluation of its yuan.
Established in November 1989, APEC now comprises 21 economies, including Vietnam. It represents around 39 percent of the world’s population, 57 percent of total global GDP and 47 percent of international trade.
The Philippines is the host of the APEC Year 2015. The APEC Economic Leaders’ Week is expected to be held in the capital city of Manila this November.-VNA
The 10th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Telecommunications and Information Ministerial Meeting (APEC TELMIN 10) endorsed the APEC Telecommunications and Information (APEC TEL) Working Group Strategic Action Plan for 2016-2020 on March 31.
Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son has assured Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Jerril G. Santos that Vietnam will continue working closely with the Philippines to ensure a successful APEC Year 2015.
Trade ministers from 21 member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum commenced their meeting in the central Philippine province of Aklan on May 23.
Deputy PM and Foreign Minister has signed decisions on establishing the National Secretariat and three sub-committees to coordinate the organisation of the APEC forum in Vietnam in 2017.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
