Vietnam advances parliamentary cooperation between ASEAN, Argentina
In her opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador Ngo Minh Nguyet highlighted the significance of partnership between ASEAN and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) amid complexities of today's global landscape.
Vietnamese Ambassador Ngo Minh Nguyet (centre), Indonesian Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif, and President of the Mercosur–ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (MACC) Rodolfo Caffaro at the seminar. (Photo: VNA)
Buenos Aires (VNA) – The Argentine Chamber of Deputies and the ASEAN Committee in Buenos Aires (ACBA) co-organised a seminar on June 10 to promote cooperation between the Argentine parliament and the ✅Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), following an initiative by the Vietnamese Embassy, which currently chairs the ACBA.
The event gathered diplomats from Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, along with Argentine lawmakers and officials from the Chamber of Deputies and ASEAN parliamentary friendship groups.
In her opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador Ngo Minh Nguyet highlighted the significance of partnership between ASEAN and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) amid complexities of today's global landscape.
Participants at the seminar. (Photo: VNA)
With a combined population of over 950 million, the two regional blocs share remarkable complementarities, with ASEAN excelling in manufacturing, technology, and services, while Mercosur leads in agriculture, energy, and natural resources.
Nguyet proposed a range of initiatives to boost cooperation, including regular inter-parliamentary exchanges, and the establishment of joint working groups to address issues related to climate change, food security, and digital transformation. She also underlined the importance of a potential free trade agreement between Mercosur and ASEAN.
The diplomats from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand also emphasised the role of ASEAN-Argentina solidarity in fostering stronger bilateral ties.
On the Argentine side, chairs of the parliamentary friendship groups with ASEAN nations expressed their commitments to facilitating dialogue and collaboration between the two regions./.
In addition to official ASEAN activities, such as the ASEAN event at the Argentine Parliament, the Vietnamese Embassy will host cultural and social exchanges, including ASEAN Family Day, sports competitions, and culinary and cultural events. These activities seek to foster mutual understanding and uphold the traditional solidarity among ASEAN nations in Buenos Aires.
A business forum was held by the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (MACC) and Argentina’s Santa Fe province on October 10 to enhance trade exchanges between South American countries and ASEAN member states.
The embassies of Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia in Argentina, in coordination with the Argentine Foreign Ministry, held a ceremony in Buenos Aires on August 11 to mark the 56th founding anniversary of ASEAN (August 8).
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.