ASEAN, EU should boost economic, trade cooperation: Minister
Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh proposed ASEAN and the EU beef up economic and trade cooperation at both bilateral and regional levels, with a focus on urgent issues such as supply chains and non-tariff barriers, while addressing the eighth ASEAN-EU Business Summit held online on November 19.
Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh (Source: VNA)
Singapore (VNA) - Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anhproposed ASEAN and the EU beef up economic and trade cooperation at both bilateraland regional levels, with a focus on urgent issues such as supply chains andnon-tariff barriers, while addressing the eighth ASEAN-EU Business Summit heldonline on November 19.
Anh said the EU was ASEAN’s second-largesttrading partner during 2009-2018 and its largest investor.
The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) hashad positive effects on Vietnam’s economy, helping improve the country’sgovernance and legal framework.
The initial successes of the high-quality FTAsthe EU has signed with ASEAN member states will form a foundation for an FTAbetween the two blocs, in the context of both sides discussing the resumptionof talks over an agreement, he added.
Delegates exchanged ideas on how to boostdigital transformation and digital economic development and have a sustainablehealth care system at an appropriate cost given COVID-19.
They also discussed opportunities for Europeanbusinesses during ASEAN’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
Singaporean Minister for Trade and IndustryChan Chun Sing reaffirmed that the EU and ASEAN can be connected by digitalplatforms and standards instead of divided by geographical distance.
A Digital Economy Agreement would be animportant step towards digital connectivity between the two blocs, he said./.
Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Igor Driesmans has appreciated Vietnam’s efforts in hosting the 53rd ASEAN Minister Meeting and related meetings amid unprecedented challenges.
More than 100 multinational groups from the EU operating in Singapore took part in an online conference on September 25 to gain insights into new investment and business opportunities in Vietnam following the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) taking effect.
Concluding a region‐to‐region free trade agreement (FTA) is an objective which the EU and ASEAN share, Ambassador of the EU to ASEAN Igor Driesmans asserted.
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.
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.
Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh (Source: VNA) 
