Within ASEAN itself, trade among member states still remains low, not even reaching 25%. Therefore, Malaysia has introduced a framework to ensure that trade among ASEAN countries is enhanced.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (Photo: Bernama)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA)𓆉 - Malaysia is focusing on strengthening the ASEAN economic framework by boosting intra-bloc trade to ensure the continuity of the region’s agenda, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said on July 24.
He said that amid growing global uncertainty, emphasis is now being placed on reinforcing regional economic ties to reduce dependence on traditional external trading partners.
Within ASEAN itself, trade among member states still remains low, not even reaching 25%. Therefore, the country has introduced a framework to ensure that trade among ASEAN countries is enhanced, he said.
Mohamad said key initiatives being pursued include the implementation of ASEAN Vision 2045, aimed at raising ASEAN’s economic standing to be on par with its existing political influence.
ASEAN needs to enhance economic activities among its members even if intra-bloc trade rises to 30 or 40%.
To that end, Mohamad said Malaysia is also diversifying its markets through participation in the BRICS bloc, while also promoting a strategic trilateral partnership between ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China.
The Gulf countries have strong purchasing power and abundant resources; ASEAN has a large workforce and rich natural resources; and China has a vast market. By strengthening this trilateral relationship, the economic benefits will be immense for ASEAN countries, particularly Malaysia, he said./.
The initiatives are the ASEAN Co-Production Roundtable, a Green Filming and Sustainability Framework, and Youth Story Labs, aimed at promoting inclusive and forward-thinking narratives among the ASEAN youth generation.
Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming proposed three key initiatives, including establishing a regional housing policy lab, creating an ASEAN urban dashboard, and holding AREC annually to boost cooperation.
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).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
