Representatives from ASEAN member states are meeting in Laos, the Chair of ASEAN in 2024, to share scaled-up and intensified national disease prevention, preparedness, detection and response measures.
Vientiane (VNA) – Representatives from ASEAN member states are meeting in Laos, the Chair of ASEAN in 2024, to share scaled-up and intensified national disease prevention, preparedness, detection and response measures.
The 18th ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Health Development (SOMHD) is taking place in Vientiane from July 1 to 5, focusing on the pending issues that need to be agreed in the field among ASEAN countries, ASEAN Plus Three and ASEAN – China, the Lao Ministry of Health said on July 3.
Rapid growth and changes in ASEAN pose challenges to the member states’ health system, including overpopulation, pollution and environmental health problems. Besides, poverty remains an important determinant for health status, especially for marginalised and vulnerable groups, including those living in remote, isolated, mountainous and island communities or resource-poor areas.
The officials reached consensus on the convening of the ASEAN Health Ministers' conference to outline policies and strategic directions that will enable the region to effectively respond to new developments and possible scenarios. They also laid stress on the significance of international cooperation./.
A Vietnamese delegation attended the recent 19th ASEAN and 9th ASEAN+3 Youth Cultural Forum held by the ASEAN University Network in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn has suggested measures to enhance ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership to create greater benefits to the people of bloc member countries and China.
Vietnam has successfully curbed many dangerous diseases such as smallpox, polio, plague, SARS, and COVID-19, and is one of only a few countries with a complete and broadly-organised healthcare network accessible to hamlets and villages.
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.
