China will continue supporting the building of the ASEAN Community, while prioritising bilateral trade partnership with the ASEAN member countries, stated Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan.
Hanoi (VNA) – China will continue supporting the buildingof the ASEAN Community, while prioritising bilateral trade partnership with theASEAN member countries, stated Chinese Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan.
Addressing the 16th consultation of ASEAN and Chineseeconomic ministers on September 8 within the framework of the ASEAN EconomicMinisters' Meeting and related meetings in Manila, the Philippines, ChineseMinister of Commerce Zhong Shan noted of sound cooperation between ASEAN andChina in economics and trade.
He said that ASEAN is the third largest trade partner of China in thepast six executive years, while China has maintained its position as the toptrade partner of the association in the past eight years.
Foreign direct investment between the two sides reached 185 billion USD,and the China-ASEAN free trade agreement is being effectively implemented, headded.
Zhong also proposed a number of measures to foster cooperation withASEAN. He affirmed that Beijing is willing to expand collaboration with theassociation in various fields, while continuing its efforts to strengtheninfrastructure connectivity between the two sides.
He also said thatChina will strengthen mutual support with ASEAN to reduce the development gapin the ASEAN region, enhancing national development capacity, fueling regionaleconomic growth and promoting the ASEAN community building.-VNA
China has called for deeper cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to achieve mutual development as the bloc is marking its 50th founding anniversary this year.
The achievements in agricultural cooperation between China and ASEAN will be showcased at the 14th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), which will be held from Sept. 12–15 in Nanning city, the capital city of China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
China put forward a seven-point proposal on China-ASEAN cooperation during a meeting between foreign ministers from ASEAN and China in Manila, the Philippines on August 6.
The ASEAN-China-UNDP Symposium on Financing the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in ASEAN was held on August 21 – 22 in Chiang Rai, Thailand
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.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
