Legal harmonisation creates a basis for the formation of a rules-based regional connectivity institution and an ASEAN community united in diversity, held experts at a conference themed “Legal harmonisation of among ASEAN countries towards enhancing comprehensive and sustainable development” held in Ho Chi Minh City on July 10.
The conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on July 10 (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – Legal harmonisation creates a basis for the formation of a rules-based regional connectivity institution an💛d an ASEAN community united in diversity, held experts at a conference themed “Legal harmonisation of among ASEAN countries towards 𒐪enhancing comprehensive and sustainable development” held in Ho Chi Minh City on July 10.
Associate Prof. Dr. Vu Van Nhiem, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Law University Council, highlighted the close link between integration and legal harmonisation among ASEAN countries.
In order to overcome challenges and fulfil goals, member countries should work together towards a stronger connected ASEAN, promoting activities to share experience and exchange information, and accepting new legal development trends that are emerging, he said.
Associate Prof. Dr. Pasha L. Hsieh from Singapore Management University underlined the harmonisation of sustainable trade standards - green sector institutions.
The expert mentioned green initiatives promoted by the European Union, the US, and ASEAN, highlighting that understanding these dynamics is important to navigate environmentally sustainable trade and contribute to promoting the harmonisation of relevant legal aspects.
Dr. Nguyen Quynh Anh, Head of ASEAN Law Department and International Links under the Hanoi Law University, said that in order to create a transparent, easy and favourable investment environment for investors, the harmonisation of investment laws among member countries becomes an urgent requirement.
Pointing to opportunities and challenges in the legal harmonisation process, including differences in legal cultures, levels of economic development, and national policy priorities, Anh said that creating a uniform legal framework is a key factor to harmonise investment laws towards a common legal foundation in the region and promote investment and economic development within the ASEAN framework.
She stressed the need for ASEAN member countries to strengthen cooperation, share their standards of conduct and information, and conduct regular dialogues, while improving the capacity and providing more technical support to state agencies, and establishing a mechanism to monitor and evaluate the process of harmonising investment laws in the ASEAN region. She also recommended the building of a common ASEAN information portal on investment./.
Representatives from ASEAN member states are meeting in Laos, the Chair of ASEAN in 2024, to share scaled-up and intensified national disease prevention, preparedness, detection and response measures.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has affirmed that this country and Singapore will coordinate to ensure that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) operates effectively, focusing on responding to new challenges.
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke has called on ASEAN member states to keep pushing for improved integration by linking up railway network to achieve greater free flow of goods in the region.
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.
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.
