PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
By translating their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established last year, into concrete initiatives, Vietnam and Malaysia could drive regional growth, reinforce ASEAN centrality, and advance shared peace and prosperity.
With the theme “Regional Cooperation for Joint Advancement”, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) 2025 Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum is set to enhance understanding, substantive and effective cooperation in all areas, from economy and trade to cultural exchange among RCEP member countries.
ASEAN is seeking to expand its membership in two key trade agreements - the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). To date, only four ASEAN countries are members of the CPTPP, namely, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
Ma Hongjun, Director of China-Vietnam trading company, expressed his belief that Vietnamese products will gain increasing popularity among consumers not only in China but across all RCEP markets.
Amid global economic restructuring and deeper regional cooperation, Vietnam–China economic and trade ties have grown significantly. with larger scale and major projects actively promoted, creating strong momentum for both nations' socio-economic development.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet affirmed the long-standing and resilient ties between ASEAN and New Zealand, built on mutual trust, respect, and shared values of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region. Over the past five decades, their relationship has expanded comprehensively and inclusively across multiple sectors under the four cooperation pillars of peace, prosperity, people, and planet.
Currently, the agreement covers a market of approximately 2.3 billion people, representing around 30% of the global population and GDP. Notably, five of its 15 members are members of the G20.
The most immediate impact of Trump’s tariffs will be inflation, both in the US and worldwide. As import costs rise, businesses will pass these costs onto consumers, driving up prices, said Professor Phar Kim Beng of ASEAN Studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM).
During the 4th round of negotiations, the two sides plan to focus 17 sectors that cover goods and services, digital technology, government procurement, and economic cooperation.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said ASEAN, under Malaysia’s chairmanship, can accelerate the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to drive regional growth.
China - Vietnam's economic ties have flourished, with bilateral trade and investment growing rapidly. In 2024, trade reached 260.65 billion USD, up 13.5% from the previous year, while Vietnam is also an important destination for Chinese investors.
In the context of complex regional and international developments, Vietnam and China need to persist in maintaining the stable development of relations between the two Parties and two countries, while also enhancing multilateral coordination, said a leader of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies under the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences.
As the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia can propose a discussion between Southeast Asian and BRICS countries to diversify trade ties and reduce reliance on traditional partners.
The support and assistance of Vietnam is crucial in ensuring that Laos has succeeded its mission of being the ASEAN chairman in 2024, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh has affirmed in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency.
Economic and trade cooperation remains a bright spot in the overall Vietnam - China relations with strong, steady and sustainable development momentum, Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in China Nong Duc Lai has stated in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency.
Vietnam has made remarkable strides across areas, not only in trade growth and investment attraction but also in the increase of per capita income, an Indian scholar has said.
Tuna export value is forecast to reach 1 billion USD in 2024, marking an 18% increase compared to last year’s figure and solidifying the product's role as one of Vietnam’s key seafood exports.
