Asian, European ministers seek ways to tackle trade protectionism
Economic leaders from Asia and Europe nations gathered for the ASEM in Seoul, RoK to discuss ways to cope with rising protectionism in trade and to cooperate in the next industrial revolution.
Hanoi (VNA) - Economic leaders from Asia and Europe nations havegathered for the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, todiscuss ways to cope with rising protectionism in trade and to cooperate in thenext industrial revolution.
Accordingto the RoK’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the 7th ASEMeconomic ministers' meeting, which is being held on September 21-22, has seenthe attendance of economic ministers and senior officials from 51 nations.
The maintheme of this year's meeting is "Reconnecting Asia-Europe: InnovativePartnership for Inclusive Prosperity."
Themeeting is expected to provide an opportunity for Asia and Europe to discussways to promote trade and investment, as well as to come up with jointresponses to rising protectionism.
Trade hasbeen a major driver for economic growth in ASEM partners, the Ministry ofTrade, Industry and Energy said, noting ASEM's share of global trade increasedfrom 54 percent in 1995 to 64 percent in 2015.
The changingindustry landscape led by digitalization will also be on the meeting’s agenda,which requires joint cooperation in enhancing economic connectivity and digitalinfrastructure across borders.
Forsustainable and inclusive growth, the policymakers will touch on the fourthindustrial revolution and the new climate framework under the Paris Agreementaimed at reducing carbon emissions.
ASEM wasestablished in 1996 to boost ties between Asian and European countries. It nowcomposes 20 Asian and 31 European nations, as well as the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union.-VNA
Vietnam will host the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Conference on Innovative Education and Human Resources Building this week in Hue city, said Tran Ngoc An, head of the Foreign Ministry’s Multilateral Economic Department.
The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Innovative Education and Human Resources Building for Sustainable Development opened in Hue city in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on March 30.
Vietnamese and foreign delegates from Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) partners have agreed to work together to narrow the development gap in innovative education and human resources building among the members.
Thailand has planned to propose the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as an approach to sustainable development during the ASEM) ymposium on Inter-Regional Partnership for Sustainable Development.
A Vietnamese delegation led by Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai participated in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) conference on women’s economic empowerment in Vilnius, Lithuania, on May 25-26.
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.
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.
ASEM logo (Source: internet) 
