ASEAN, Northeast Asian partners to boost economic linkages
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its Northeast Asian partners - China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) - have reaffirmed commitments to promoting cooperation and economic integration to build a free and open East Asia region amid growing protectionism.
Singaporean Minister of Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Singapore (VNA) – The Association of Southeast AsianNations (ASEAN) and its Northeast Asian partners - China, Japan and theRepublic of Korea (RoK) - have reaffirmed commitments to promoting cooperationand economic integration to build a free and open East Asia region amid growingprotectionism.
In his opening remarks at the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)Plus Three Consultations in Singapore on August 30, Singaporean Minister ofTrade and Industry Chan Chun Sing said ASEAN remains determined in pursuingstronger economic cooperation with China, Japan and the RoK in the face ofgrowing tensions in the global economy.
The ongoing trade tensions among major economies, as well as theadvent of new technologies and the digital economy, have made it critical for ASEANand the three nations to stay committed to deepening and broadening economiclinkages, he said.
ASEAN has free trade deals with each of these three countries,who are also signatories of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP), a trade pact that also involves Australia, New Zealand and India.
ASEAN looks forward to working constructively and pragmaticallywith China, Japan and the RoK to deliver good outcomes for the RCEP negotiationsby the end of this year, Chan said.
At the consultations, ministers discussed new areas ofcollaboration and the ASEAN Plus Three Economic Cooperation Work Programme for2019-2020, which will guide cooperation over the next two years.
Despite uncertainties in the global economy such as trade war orgrowing protectionism, trade and investment ties between ASEAN and the threecountries have increased remarkably.
Last year, total trade between ASEAN and the three countriesincreased by 16.1 percent to 807 billion USD, representing 31.6 percent of thebloc’s total trade value.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from China, Japan and theRoK into ASEAN reached 29.9 billion USD last year, accounting for 21.8 percentof total FDI inflows into the region.-VNA
ASEAN labour ministers and their counterparts from China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields within their remit during a meeting in Vientiane, Laos.
The 32nd ASEAN Summit will take place on April 27-28 in Singapore under the theme of “Building a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN”, with the participation of leaders of the 10 ASEAN member states.
Vietnam has actively got involved in the realisation of ASEAN commitments since the country joined the association on July 28, 1995, according Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung.
The 50th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM 50) Meeting and Related Meetings kicked off in Singapore on August 29 with the participation of economic leaders from 10 ASEAN member states and partner countries.
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.
Singaporean Minister of Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
