Hanoi (VNA) – Singapore andChina are jointly exploring potential for further cooperation with recent movesto deepen economic and trade relations.
On the sidelines of the first ChinaInternational Import Expo (CIIE) held recently in Shanghai, Singapore'sMinister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing and China's Vice CommerceMinister Fu Ziying jointly announced the conclusion of negotiations on theupgraded China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, according to China’s Xinhua NewsAgency.
Chan said the upgrade signals bothcountries' joint commitment towards not only greater economic collaboration butalso trade liberalization.
Other important ingredients in the economicand trade relations between the two countries are interconnection, financialcooperation and third-party market cooperation.
Ning Jizhe, deputy head of China'sNational Development and Reform Commission, said at the first Singapore-ChinaBRI Investment Forum in October that Chinahad become Singapore'slargest trading partner since 2013, and Singaporehad become China'slargest source of investment also for five consecutive years.
By the end of 2017, the cumulativeinvestment of Singapore to China was over 90 billion USD, and that of China to Singapore was over 36.6 billion USD.The two countries recorded a bilateral trade value of 79.2 billion dollars in2017, up 12.4 percent year on year.-VNA
Singapore and China are working on some exploratory ideas to minimise risks of unplanned encounters in the East Sea, said Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishman on February 29.
Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports (NODX) in September slipped 1.1 percent year on year, breaking four straight months of growth, according to the International Enterprise Singapore (IES), a government agency that promotes international trade and partners Singapore companies to go global.
Singaporean President Halimah Yacob met with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 51st ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 51) and related meetings in Singapore on August 3, promising to deepen bilateral cooperation.
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.
Illustrative image (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) 
