Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China on the selling of rice and rubber to Chinese firms.
According to the Thai Minister of Commerce, 1 million tonnes of newly-harvested rice will be sold to the China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO). Thailand will also sell 200,000 tonnes of rubber latex to China’s national chemical corporation Sinochem.
The delivery of rice and rubber will begin next year.
Since the coup last year, Thailand has clinched government-to-government (G-to-G) rice deals with China, Indonesia and the Philippines. Including the new deal, total rice volume China purchases from Thailand is 3.4 million tonnes, valued at 50 billion THB (1.4 billion USD).
On the same day, the two countries signed another MoU affirming their commitments to building a railway from the Thai capital of Bangkok to Nongkhai in the northeast region.
Work on the project’s control centre will🥀 kick off on December 19.-VNA
The Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department imported 49,900 tons of rice from Thailand in the first quarter of 2015, a 48.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The Thai Government announced on November 9 that the country has won a contract to supply 500,000 tonnes of rice to Indonesia for 8 billion THB (roughly 223 million USD).
Thailand’s rice export prospects are brightening with shipments expected at 9.5 – 10 million tonnes next year, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association.
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.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Illustrative photo (Source:AFP/VNA))
