APEC ministers pledge to boost regional economic recovery
Ministers of 21 APEC member economies have committed to maintaining cooperation to support economic recovery in the context of the COVID-19 gravely impacting the world.
31st APEC Ministerial Meeting held via videoconference (Source: apec.org)
Hanoi (VNA) – Ministers of 21 APEC member economies have committedto maintaining cooperation to support economic recovery in the context of theCOVID-19 gravely impacting the world.
In a joint statement issued at the online 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting on November 16, participating ministers stressed: “Wewill continue to cooperate, and act swiftly to foster quality growth, safeguardthe lives and livelihoods of our people to enhance the resilience of oureconomies and support strong and inclusive economic recovery.”
The joint statement highlighted the importance of a free,open, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent and predictable trade andinvestment environment to drive economic recovery at such a challenging time.
“Any emergency trade measures designed to address COVID-19should be targeted, proportionate, transparent, temporary, do not createunnecessary barriers to trade, and are consistent with WTO rules,” it reiterated.
“We will further advance the economic integration in theregion, in a manner that is market-driven, including through the work on theFree Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) agenda which will contribute tohigh quality and comprehensive regional undertakings,” ministers said in theirstatement.
A reliable, interoperable, open, accessible and secure ICTenvironment leads to a more interconnected and inclusive region, they stated,urging members to share best practices to harness the opportunities of digitaleconomy and foster an enabling environment, acknowledging the importance ofcooperation on facilitating the flow of data and strengthening consumer andbusiness trust in digital transactions.
The 21 APEC member economies form a region accounting for 37percent of the global population, 48 percent of the world trade, and 60 percentof the global GDP./.
Malaysia said on October 26 it will host the first ever virtual meeting of leaders from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies in November due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Malaysia has called for stronger efforts and cooperation in food security among the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries to face post-COVID-19 challenges.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh attended the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting held via videoconference on November 16 evening under the chair of Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Mohamed Azmin Ali.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
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.
31st APEC Ministerial Meeting held via videoconference (Source: apec.org) 
