China, ASEAN hold dialogue on business opportunities
The China-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) held a dialogue on business opportunities in Beijing, China on July 26, attracting some 300 corporate executives, as well as diplomatic and trade officials from both sides.
Commercial Counselor of the Vietnamese Embassy in China Dao Viet Anh (centre) talks about the potential of Vietnam-China economic partnership at the dialogue (Photo: VNA)
Beijing (VNA) – The China-ASEAN Business Council(CABC) held a dialogue on business opportunities in Beijing, China on July 26,attracting some 300 corporate executives, as well as diplomatic and tradeofficials from both sides.
Speaking at the event, CABC President Xu Ningning said thisyear marks the 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN strategic partnership. Over thepast 15 years, extensive and comprehensive cooperation has not only fueled the economicgrowth of China and the 10 ASEAN member states, but also made positivecontributions to global economic growth and regional stability.
In the first half of this year, two-way trade between Chinaand ASEAN surged by 20.2 percent compared to the same period last year. China-ASEANtrade expanded at the fastest rate when compared to China-US and China-EU trade.
ASEAN counselors introduced the economic climate andrelevant policies in their countries, as well as discussing businessopportunities with China.
Commercial Counselor at the Vietnamese Embassy in China DaoViet Anh said China is now the eighth largest investor in Vietnam, with Chinesefirms further expanding their operations in the country. Bilateral trade surpassed100 billion USD last year, up 23.4 percent year-on-year.
According to him, both sides hold potential in developingspare parts manufacturing and assembly, high technology, energy, cultivation,aquaculture, food processing, infrastructure, and medicine over the next twoyears.
At the end of the dialogue, both sides issued the BeijingProposal and signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation, with a focuson enhancing the exchange of information in the fields of economy, trade,finance, investment, technology, and market; and realising the China-ASEAN FreeTrade Agreement and various economic deals between the Governments.
As of May 2018, total investment between China and ASEANtopped 200 billion USD, 86.5 billion USD of which was direct Chinese investment.–VNA
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary General of ASEAN, have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation and reach the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal at an early date.
Senior officials of the ASEAN countries and China held their 24th consultation (ACSOC-24) in Singapore on June 8 to review bilateral relations and discuss measures to reinforce the cooperation and strategic partnership between ASEAN and China.
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has affirmed that China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will expand cooperation in various fields and forge a closer community with a shared future.
Senior officials of ASEAN and China held the 15th meeting on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) in Hunan province, China, on June 27.
A ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership was held at the ASEAN Secretariat headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 12.
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.
Commercial Counselor of the Vietnamese Embassy in China Dao Viet Anh (centre) talks about the potential of Vietnam-China economic partnership at the dialogue (Photo: VNA) 
