Indonesian President applauds ASEAN Travel Corridor Arrangement
Indonesian President Joko Widodo applauded the release of the Statement on the ASEAN Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA) at the plenary session of the ongoing virtual 37th ASEAN Summit on November 12.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo speaks at the plenary session of the ongoing virtual 37th ASEAN Summit on November 12. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) - IndonesianPresident Joko Widodo applauded the release of the Statement on the ASEAN TravelCorridor Arrangement (TCA) at the plenary session of the ongoing virtual 37th ASEAN Summit on November 12.
Joko Widodo affirmed the TCA should be implemented immediately and called onthe ASEAN Coordinating Council and other ASEAN agencies to coordinate in realisingit quickly and effectively. The TCA was proposed by the Indonesian leader atthe 36th ASEAN Summit held on June 26.
According to the President, ASEAN also needs to immediately implement atemporary "quick lane" and medical protocols to be applied for immigration,using the integrated digital platforms in the region to define locations ofentry, and developing strict regulations on medical protocols.
Expressing his hope that the TCA could come into operation in the first quarterof next year, President Joko Widodo said that the deal would reinforceconfidence that regional economic activities will gradually be resumed by strictlyadopting medical procedures.
He also expressed optimism thatthe Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be signed at this summitafter about 8 years of negotiations.
"We have to prove that this enormous economic integration will benefit ourpeople," he said.
The President stressed ASEAN's role in maintaining regional peace and stability,saying ASEAN needs to stay firm, maintain balance, and continue to convey themessage of strengthening win-win cooperation.
He emphasised the importance of partners respecting the Treaty of Amity andCooperation in Southeast Asia and international law, including the 1982 UnitedNations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
President Joko Widodo affirmed that with the strong commitment to promotinginclusive cooperation, ASEAN would play a central role in boosting regionalcollaboration./.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended and delivered his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 37th ASEAN Summit in Hanoi on November 12. Following is the full remarks:
Malaysia firmly believes that the ASEAN continues to play a critical role in addressing challenges brought by the pandemic through the implementation of the many initiatives discussed through the various ASEAN-led mechanisms, the Malaysian News Agency (Bernama) reported.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be in the spotlight at the 37th ASEAN Summit which is virtually hosted by Vietnam from November 12 – 15, according to Singapore’s The Strait Times.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is expected to be signed at the 4th RCEP leaders' online meeting on November 15, with all of its texts and legal review work completed, Chinese Assistant Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang told a press conference on November 11.
Vietnam will contribute 100,000 USD to the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund and is committed to contributing 5 million USD worth of medical supplies to the Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc announced at the 37th ASEAN Summit on November 12.
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.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo speaks at the plenary session of the ongoing virtual 37th ASEAN Summit on November 12. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
