Economy and commerce
Trade
Suu Kyi strengthens ties with ASEAN and China
Myanmar’s democractic government has laid down a people-centered foreign policy which it will play pro-actively role in the region and international affairs. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations marks 50th anniversary this year after it was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand. The founding ...
Nation sets sights on trade policy improvement
Laos will continue to be active in improving its regulations and work plan to adapt to the World Trade Organisation rules after the country became a member in 2013. Despite Laos’ membership status, there are still many issues which need to be improved in order ...
Thai rice worries VN exporters
Thailand’s plan to sell all its rice reserves of about eight million tonnes this year has sparked concerns that this move will undermine Việt Nam’s rice exports. Nguyễn Văn Đôn, director of Tiền Giang-based Việt Hưng Co Ltd, said rice exports were positive last month, ...
Thailand warned about neutrality as superpowers compete in Asia
Thailand’s strategy to stay neutral in world politics might prove more difficult as competition between global powers grows stronger, international relations expert Panitan Wattanayagorn said on February 8. The Indo-Pacific region, covering the area from the Middle East to the East Asia, has been targeted ...
Deputy PM advises Saravan on development path
Deputy Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone and his delegation recently visited Saravan provincial authorities to encourage and guide their operations in the year ahead. During the visit from February 5-6, Dr Sonexay listed the successes previously achieved by the province and plans for the year ...
Govt secures World Bank loan for nationwide road upgrades
The government has secured a loan of US$25 million from the World Bank to further strengthen road maintenance and improve road connectivity throughout the country. The Ministry of Finance signed the loan agreement with the World Bank on February 7, with the two parties represented ...
Cassava export prices down sharply
The price per kilogram of cassava exports from Cambodia has fallen this year due to plunging market prices and a lack of processing centers in the country. The price of dried cassava in northeastern Rattanakiri province is down to 410 riel (about $0.10) per kilogram ...
How should Vietnam behave after the US abandons TPP?
Anti-globalization and protectionist attitudes are increasing in some countries, but Vietnam still has an open economy. This means big challenges for Vietnam in upcoming days. US President Donald Trump on January 23 officially pulled out of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, a move that The New ...
The soul of the Mekong is in trouble
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha last week asked reporters why non-governmental organisations, environmental activists and academics continue to protest against the planned blasting of rapids in the Mekong River. He said many of these protesters are outsiders, meaning people who do not live by the riverside, do ...
Taking hold
On December 12 the Thai-owned Fraser and Neave completed the purchase of 5.4 per cent of the Vietnamese dairy giant Vinamilk for almost $500 million. Each of F&N’s subsidiaries – F&N Bev Manufacturing and F&N Dairy Investments – bought 2.7 per cent at the starting price ...