The meeting reviewed the implementation of Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) projects and discussed measures to enhance the effectiveness of IAI Work Plan IV (2021–2025).
Jakarta (VNA) – The 76th meeting of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force was held in Jakꦅarta on May 6 under the🍒 chairmanship of Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to ASEAN.
This marked the second meeting Vietnam has presided over as Chair of the IAI Task Force in 2025.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of IAI projects and discussed measures to enhance the effectiveness of IAI Work Plan IV (2021–2025).
Thirteen new projects of Singapore, Canada, Japan and Australia were accredited, bringing the total number of IAI projects under Work Plan IV to 112. These initiatives address 70.8% of the actions, valued at 24.8 million USD.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to stepping up seeking potential sponsors for pending projects, particularly the outstanding actions under Work Plan IV, aiming to accelerate the plan's overall progress as 2025 is the final year of the plan period.
The meeting also discussed the development of IAI Work Plan V (2026–2030), which is expected to be submitted for adoption at the 47th ASEAN Summit in November this year. The new plan will be guided by the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026–2030, and experiences gained from previous phases.
Launched in 2000, the IAI aims to narrow the development gap among ASEAN members and support the full integration of newer members, initially Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, and from 2024, Timor-Leste./.
A photo exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN–New Zealand Dialogue Partnership officially opened on May 8 at the ASEAN Secretariat headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The players consist of Do Duy Manh and Nguyen Hai Long (Hanoi FC), Nguyen Hoang Duc (Phu Dong Ninh Binh Club), and Nguyen Van Vi (Thep Xanh Nam Dinh FC).
The tax adjustment supports the Malaysian Government’s strategy to reduce reliance on foreign food supply chains and to assist domestic farmers, a finance official has said.
The proposed venue is located in the Chatuchak area of Bangkok, featuring eight public sites, including Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal and several nearby parks.
Connectivity is expected to improve further with the completion of the fifth Laos–Thailand Friendship Bridge by the end of 2025, facilitating logistics and agricultural exports to Vietnam, Thailand, and China.
Two naval gunboats intercepted a fishing vessel carrying 1.5 tonnes of methamphetamine hydrochloride off the coast of the main island of Luzon just before dawn, in a joint operation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
In the today context of socio-economic development and growth, the professionalism of Vietnam’s revolutionary journalists continues to rise, guided by exemplary mastery of new information technologies and the modernisation of their founding principles to preserve the enduring values of revolutionary journalism.
Thai Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Vuttikrai Leewiraphan Thailand's formal proposal will be substantial enough for the US to consider further detailed negotiations. He hoped for a tariff rate not exceeding 10% and suggested that the US might extend the negotiation period if an agreement is not reached by the July 8 deadline.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture and the Association of Thai Silk & Culture Promotions, the event honors Her Majesty the Queen on her 47th birthday anniversary and promotes Thai craftsmanship on an international stage.
Prensa Latina's recent article on Vietnam’s assurance of smooth and effective transition to a leaner structure highlighted Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s latest directions on implementing 28 resolutions regarding the decentralisation and delegation of authority.
The lab focuses on four key thematic areas: energy transition and green innovation, sustainable agriculture, circular economy and sustainable cities, and nature-based solutions and biodiversity.
The key content of the document titled "Accelerating Innovative Strategies: Addressing the OOSCY Challenges" will be refined further in a seminar preceding the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC, it said.
Efforts to empower women must transcend dialogue and translate into concrete commitments, including corporate pledges and government partnerships, according to the spouse of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
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.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
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.
