TPP trade ministers gather in Hawaii, eyeing final deal
Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang is attending a meeting of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade ministers, which kicked off in Hawaii, the US, on the morning of July 29 (Vietnam time).
Conference on TPP in Sydney, Australia on October 25, 2014 (Source: AFP)
Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang is attending a meeting of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade ministers, which kicked off in Hawaii, the US, on the morning of July 29 (Vietnam time).
The four-day negotiation round, considered the final opportunity for the 12 participating countries to reach an agreement within this year, focuses on existing difficult issues such as intellectual property rights, operations of enterprises, labour market, and environmental protection.
During the fresh round, the US and Japan – the two largest partners of TPP – expect to resolve remaining differences over market access for farm produce and autos.
Expectations for striking a deal in Hawaii rose higher than ever after US President Barack Obama late last month signed a Trade Promotion Authority bill into a law, making it easier for presidents to negotiate international trade deals with limited interference from lawmakers.
Negotiations on TPP agreement started in 2005, and have so far attracted the participation of 12 countries, including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the US and Vietnam.
Once signed, TPP will form a free trade area with the population of 800 million and accounting for 30 percent of global trade turnover and nearly 40 percent of global output./.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung expressed hope for early conclusion of negotiations with the US on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (PPP) deal while meeting US Trade Representative Michael Froman in Hanoi on April 22.
Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Vuong Dinh Hue discussed the progress of negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with US Trade Representative Michael Froman in Hanoi on April 22.
Vietnam’s textile and apparel exports to countries negotiating the TPP agreement in the first five months of this year increased 69.66 percent compared to the same period last year.
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.
Conference on TPP in Sydney, Australia on October 25, 2014 (Source: AFP)
