RoK, Singapore aim to strike digital trade deal this year
The Republic of Korea (RoK) and Singapore agreed on November 8 to conclude their digital trade pact this year in a move to deepen broader trade and economic ties, according to the RoK's trade ministry.
Hanoi (VNA) – The Republic of Korea (RoK) and Singapore agreed on November 8 to conclude their digital trade pact this year in a move to deepen broader trade and economic ties, according to the RoK's trade ministry.
The agreement was made during the meeting between the RoK's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and Singaporean Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng held in Seoul.
The two sides agreed to speed up working-level negotiations to conclude the Digital Partnership Agreement (DPA) within this year, as their talks, which began in July last year, are in the final stage, the ministry said in a release
Singapore is the RoK's 12th-largest trading partner and has a similar digitisation level, according to the ministry. The digital pact is to set up rules for digital transactions, facilitate trade in the digital realm, and to better protect consumers throughout online trade. If concluded, it will be the first trade agreement of its kind for the RoK, it said.
During the talks, the two ministers also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in hydrogen and new renewable energy sectors to better respon𒁃d to climate change and achieve a zero-emission economy, it added./.
Vietnam and Singapore should further optimise free trade agreements (FTAs) in which both sides are members such as the CPTPP and RCEP to strengthen partnership among businesses of both countries, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has proposed.
Singapore will be rolling out a 640 million SGD (476.5 million USD) support package for businesses affected by extended COVID-19 restrictions in the city-state.
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) announced on October 26 that the country's manufacturing output decreased 3.4 percent year on year in September, from the revised 11 percent growth in August.
Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced on November 8 the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programme in Finance at the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) and Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2021.
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.
At the event. (Photo: YONHAP/VNA) 
