1. We, the Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), met on 31 July 2019 at the 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Bangkok. We underlined the need to further strengthen cooperation and advance our partnership to ensure sustainability in all dimensions for ASEAN amidst the rapid changes in Southeast Asia and beyond. ASEAN COMMUNITY-BUILDING 2. We reaffirmed our commitment to the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the ASEAN Leaders’ Vision Statement on Partnership for Sustainability. We reaffirmed the importance of maintaining ASEAN centrality and unity in our community-building efforts, engagement with external partners and regional architecture. We commended the ongoing work of all ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and Organs for progress in the implementation of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) … [Read more...] about Joint Communique of 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Asean foreign ministers retreat 2019
ASEAN economic ministers ink investment, trade pacts
The signing was completed as part of the framework of the 25th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)’s Retreat, which took place in Phuket from April 22-23. According to Thai Deputy Minister of Commerce Chutima Bunyaprasara, the ATISA is due to come into force 180 days after it being signed. It is aimed at enhancing standards and the validity of service regulations in the ASEAN member states, reduce trade barriers, and improve transparency in the services industry. It will replace the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) that was introduced in 1995, benefiting services in healthcare, tourism, accommodation, construction, and convention and exhibition services. At the signing ceremony of the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement Meanwhile, the fourth protocol amending the ACIA is expected to lure more foreign investments into the bloc, she said. At the AEM’s Retreat, ASEAN economic leaders discussed, reviewed, and outlined solutions to economic cooperation … [Read more...] about ASEAN economic ministers ink investment, trade pacts
Government News 19/1
Vietnamese, Korean lawmakers to push on with cooperation activities Chairman of the RoK-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group Kim Hak-yong addresses the exchange in Hanoi on January 18 (Photo: quochoi.vn) Parliamentarians of Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) held an exchange programme in Hanoi on January 18 to discuss cooperation between the two countries in various fields. Chairman of the Vietnam-RoK Parliamentary Friendship Group Tran Van Tuy, who is Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA)’s Committee for Deputy Affairs, said the two countries’ parliaments signed a cooperation agreement for the first time in 2009 so as to elevate bilateral ties to a new height. This deal was renewed in 2013 and is being implemented effectively, he said. This exchange programme was an activity facilitated by the two sides’ parliamentary leaders, Tuy noted. Chairman of the RoK-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group Kim Hak-yong, who is also head of the RoK … [Read more...] about Government News 19/1
Solidarity should be among ASEAN’s core priorities: official
Viet Nam News BANGKOK — Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh yesterday called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to consider solidarity, unity and its central role as core priorities orienting all of its activities. ASEAN member countries should closely co-ordinate and support each other to promote creativity, assist start-ups and develop high-quality human resources amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the diplomat said while addressing the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat that concluded in Thailand on January 18. Given the complex developments of the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) situation and increasing militarisation in the area, Minh urged ASEAN to maintain its solidarity and common voice. Doing so would contribute to regional peace, stability and security on the basis of principles covering self-restraint, zero militarisation and full and effective implementation of the … [Read more...] about Solidarity should be among ASEAN’s core priorities: official
Government News 18/1
WB to consider more loans for infrastructure projects in Binh Duong Chairman of the Binh Duong People’s Committee Tran Thanh Liem (R) and Sudipto Sarkar, WB Water Sector Practice Leader for the East Asia and Pacific region, at the working session on January 17 Representatives of the World Bank (WB) had a working session with authorities of southern Binh Duong province on January 17 to discuss WB-funded projects and local infrastructure investment demand. Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Thanh Liem appreciated the capital the WB has given to Binh Duong to carry out household wastewater treatment and water drainage projects. These projects have considerably helped with local urban development, solving environmental pollution and improving people’s living conditions. He called for more capital support from the WB for environmental projects, including building a wastewater treatment plant for northern localities, upgrading wastewater treatment … [Read more...] about Government News 18/1