ASEAN, Canada agree to launch bilateral FTA negotiations
ASEAN member countries and Canada have agreed to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) during the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) – Canada Consultation which was held virtually on November 17.
The ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) – Canada Consultation was held virtually on November 17. (Photo: VNA)The event was co-chaired by Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II of Brunei, and Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development of Canada.
The FTA is among economic priorities in the ASEAN Chairmanship Year of Brunei.
The ministers tasked officials to develop a work plan to take forward the negotiations as soon as possible.
They discussed the trade and investment situation in the region amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC)’s recommendations to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
The ministers also exchanged views on measures to respond to COVID-19 impacts on the economies of the regional countries, and reaffirmed commitments to continue seeking ways to reduce the pandemic’s impacts.
They also underlined the need for global cooperation, including the ensuring of access to vaccine supplies in an equal, safe and efficient manner.
At the meeting, Vietnam and other ASEAN member countries welcomed contributions by Canada to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund to promote a stronger economic recovery from the pandemic.
Vietnam actively engaged in the discussion and gave proposals on cooperation orientations between ASEAN and Canada in the time to come to ensure the smooth circulation of goods and services, reinforcing regional supply chains amid a changing global economy and negative impacts of COVID-19./.
You should also see
Vietnam eyes strengthening multifaceted cooperation with Hungary: NA Chairman
National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue on April 16 said that Vietnam always values and wishes to strengthen multifaceted cooperation with Hungary, a traditional partner and the only comprehensive partner of Vietnam in the Central Eastern European region when receiving First Officer of the Hungarian National Assembly Márta Mátrai in Hanoi.
See more
World
Thailand's Songkran traffic accidents fall over 10%
The number of traffic accidents during the first five days of the Songkran festival’s road safety campaign week fell 10.4% year-on-year to 1,564, Thai authorities said on April 16.
World
Thailand's capital promotes food security projects
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to expand the coverage of its food security projects to more areas in the capital, reported the Bangkok Post.
World
Indonesia issues dengue fever warning to Bali tourists
Indonesia’s Health Ministry has issued an early warning asking local and foreign tourists to remain alert against dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which is on the rise in Bali.
World
Thai banks eye expansion in Southeast Asia
According to Fitch Ratings Thailand, driven by the growth potential of ASEAN economies, large local banks in the country are likely to see significant opportunities to expand their regional business and enhance their revenue prospects.
World
Lawrence Wong to take over as Singapore’s new PM on May 15
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set to take the helm as Singapore’s new Prime Minister on May 15.
