Kuala Lumpur (VNA) 🅰– Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on ASEAN to issue a joint response to tariff-related challenges, citing the impact of the US' unilateral trade actions on regional economies.
Speaking at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur on July 9, the PM of Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, highlighted that tariffs, export restrictions, and investment barriers have become become the sharpened instruments of geopolitical rivalry.
He stressed the need for ASEAN to confront this reality with clarity and conviction, and strengthen intra-bloc trade.
ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to express concern over the US’ unilateral tariffs in a joint communiqué of the AMM-58. The draft statement notes that such measures risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation and pose complex challenges to ASEAN’s economic stability and growth.
Under the “Liberation Day Tariffs” announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2, ASEAN countries face tariffs ranging from 10% to 49%.
In the latest update on July 7, six ASEAN nations will be subject to new tariffs starting August 1 unless they reach agreements with the US. Three countries saw reductions in tariff rates, with Cambodia from 49% down to 36%, Laos from 48% to 40%, and Myanmar from 44% to 40%. Meanwhile, the rates for Thailand and Indonesia remain at 36% and 32%. Malaysia's tariff rate has been raised from 24% to 25%.
Vietnam was excluded from the latest announcement, having reached a prior agreement with Washington.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to attend the ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings with partner countries later this week. The US Department of State said his first visit to Asia aims to reaffirm Washington's commitment to advancing a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region./.
Malaysia has expressed its readiness to negotiate in four key areas: addressing the US’s reported 24.8 billion USD trade deficit with Malaysia, removing non-tariff barriers, strengthening protections for technology and national security, and exploring the possibility of a bilateral trade agreement.
He said the negotiations will be held virtually, led by Deputy Secretary-General (trade) MITI, Mastura Ahmad Mustafa as Malaysia’s chief negotiator, alongside the Assistant US Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Sarah Ellerman.
Among the steps announced are the enforcement of anti-dumping duties, countervailing taxes and safeguard measures to shield domestic industries from redirected exports stemming from global trade tensions.
Four other major Thai destinations - Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai - also ranked among the region’s top cities for repeat visits, reflecting Thailand’s diversity and enduring appeal for travellers of all types.
In its Pre-Budget Statement 2026, the ministry stated that growth will be anchored by resilient domestic demand, particularly through private investment, stable employment, and income-enhancing measures such as targeted cash transfers and wage increases.
Singapore is at risk of chikungunya transmission as the number of reported cases this year has more than doubled compared to last year, the country’s Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) has reported.
On August 11, major RoK outlets, including Yonhap News Agency, KBS, The Korea Herald, and The Korea Times, provided prominent coverage of the talks held the same day between General Secretary Lam and President Lee Jae Myung, during which both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in economy, security, technology, and culture.
The Singaporean government needs to enable people, workers and businesses to make full use of these tools, and enhance their competitive advantage. It “will walk this journey” with Singaporeans as it has done for the past six decades, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm both ASEAN member states' and partners’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and narrowing development gaps.
Thailand emits roughly 350 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, with the energy and industrial sectors accounting for more than 75% of this amount. Though this volume represents just 1% of global emissions, the Thai Government is eager to achieve carbon neutrality, a balance between carbon dioxide emissions and absorption, by 2050.
The Malaysian government is undertaking a structured assessment to examine the role of nuclear power as a potential option for clean, stable, and competitive electricity within Malaysia’s future energy mix.
It aims to identify and honour digital technology initiatives, products, and solutions with practical applications; promote creativity in technology development; anticipate trends and development potential in digital technology; and recognise the role of digital technology in economic growth and enhancing quality of life for citizens in ASEAN countries.
Addressing the ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Simon D.I. Soekamo, the rotating Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Cuba, highlighted the bloc's spirit of friendship and solidarity, and reaffirmed ASEAN's core values of peace, stability, and prosperity through cooperation and dialogue.
Vietnam’s pavilion notably displayed traditional crafts from the centuries-old lacquerware village of Ha Thai and Chu Dau ceramics. The atmosphere was further enriched by delegations wearing their countries’ traditional costumes, including the elegant ao dai and the graceful ao tu than of Vietnamese women.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
