UN summit looks to facilitate transit, trade in Asia-Europe
A summit of the United Nations (UN) is scheduled to take place in Hanoi on March 7-9 to enhance cooperation on transit, trade facilitation and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Hai Phong port in the north of Vietnam (Illustrative image. Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – A summit of the UnitedNations (UN) is scheduled to take place in Hanoi on March 7-9 to enhancecooperation on transit, trade facilitation and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.
The event is co-held by the Ministry of ForeignAffairs and the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States(UN-OHRLLS).
Representatives from 29 regional andinternational organisations, including the UN Economic and Social Council(ECOSOC), UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), World CustomsOrganisation (WCO), UN General Assembly (UNGA), Asian Infrastructure InvestmentBank (AIIB), World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), are attending theevent.
Delegates from 38 countries, includinglandlocked ones, as well as development partners and international seaportbusiness associations also join the summit.
The summit includes six sessions, focusingdiscussion on transit, trade facilitation and acceleration of the 2030 Agendaon Sustainable Development.
Participants will discuss measures to boostcooperation between landlocked and transit countries in the field of customs,facilitate trade and investment, build trans-national entrepots, attractcapital and set up bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks.
Global financial organisations are hoped tosupport landlocked and transit countries to join the regional and globalvalue chain.-VNA
Trade via border gates is expected to reach 30 billion USD in 2016, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Cam Tu said at a Hanoi conference on January 5.
The World Trade Organisation's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) would boost customs reforms to facilitate trade across borders in line with international standards, an official has said.
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.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
Hai Phong port in the north of Vietnam (Illustrative image. Source: VNA) 
