ASEAN, China, Japan vow to boost regional transport links
Transport ministers from ASEAN, China and Japan pledged to further cooperation in enhancing transport links in the region, as heard conferences held in Malaysia on November 5.
Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang and his counterparts from ASEAN nations (Source: VNA)
Transport ministers from ASEAN, China and Japan pledged to further cooperation in enhancing transport links in the region, as heard conferences held in Malaysia on November 5 in the framework of the 21 st ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM-21).
The 14 th ASEAN and China Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM+China), co-chaired by Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai and his Chinese counterpart Yang Chuantang, reiterated the commitment of ASEAN and China to strengthening regional transport connection and urged their senior officials to prioritise large projects on railway, road, civil aviation and waterways to facilitate regional trade and investment attraction.
The ministers discussed initiatives to promote ASEAN-China collaboration in transport technology and marine training, and improve workforce’s capacity to meet demand of the regional and global marine development.
They applauded the completion of Singapore-Kunming Rail Link (SKRL) and rail bridges connecting Cambodia and Thailand.
Meanwhile, at the 13rd ASEAN and Japan Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM+ Japan), the ministers welcomed the implementation of key transport projects under the ASEAN-Japan Transport Partnership (AJTP) established in 2003, aiming at promoting regional traffic connection.
They hoped to receive further support from Japan to carry out the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Action Plan for 2016-2025.
The ministers also expressed their delight at the progress of 25 projects during 2014-2015 as well as the operation of the ASEAN- Japan Working Group on Regional Air Service Arrangement (AJWG-RASA).
The conference adopted the ASEAN-Japan working programme for the 2015-2016 period to boost transport quality under the Pakse Action plan.
The 15 th ATM+ China and 14 th ATM+ Japan are scheduled to be held in the Philippines next year.-VNA
The two-day 15 th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM 15), concluded in Hanoi on Dec. 11, agreed to enhance transport linkage between regional countries thus strengthening the ASEAN community by 2015.
Vietnam and China have taken measures to strengthen economic and trade cooperation and transportation connections, said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Hai Binh.
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.
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.
Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang and his counterparts from ASEAN nations (Source: VNA)
