The EU and the ASEAN announced on March 10 that they will strive to resume negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two blocs, as European countries look to tap the region's strong growth.
The joint press conference of the 15th ASEAN Economic Ministers-EU Trade Commissioner Consultations on March 10 (Photo: mb.com.ph)
Hanoi (VNA) – The European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast AsianNations (ASEAN) announced on March 10 that they will strive to resumenegotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two blocs, as European countries look to tap the region's stronggrowth.
EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told reporters inManila, the Philippines, that EU and ASEAN senior officials decided toestablish a framework for the resumption of FTA talks. However, they have yetto set up a detailed schedule for negotiations.
The EU-ASEAN connectivity will help remove tradebarriers, she said, adding that a bilateral FTA is a long-term target that theEU has been discussing for many years and the EU is taking steps towards this.
A trade deal with ASEAN will link the EU withthe world’s seventh-largest market, which boasts strong consumption and middle-classexpansion, especially in Vietnam and the Philippines.
The ASEAN region has a combined population of622 million and an economy of 2.6 trillion USD which is driven by consumption,export, and manufacturing.
The EU and ASEAN launched negotiations on aregion-to-region FTA in 2007 but suspended the process in 2009 as the EU wantedto have bilateral talks with each of the ASEAN members instead of negotiatingwith the whole bloc.
The EU reached separate FTAs with Singapore andVietnam, but they have not been implemented yet.-VNA
Representatives from ASEAN and the European Union (EU) reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the existing close trade and investment relations between the regions.
The 21st ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) opened in Bangkok, Thailand on October 14, seeking to strengthen the two sides’ cooperation across the board and work towards strategic partnership.
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.
The joint press conference of the 15th ASEAN Economic Ministers-EU Trade Commissioner Consultations on March 10 (Photo: mb.com.ph) 
