ASEAN moves towards sustainable agriculture

According to the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the guidelines were launched at a meeting on implementing the Policy Guidelines on Agroecology Transition and linking to green finance, held in Vientiane on March 17 - 18.

Hanoi (VNA) - Representatives from member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and development partners officially launched the ASEAN Policy Guidelines on Agroecological Transition, marking a significant step toward strengthening sustainable and resilient food systems in the region.

According to the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the guidelines were launched at a meeting on implementing the Policy Guidelines on Agroecology Transition and linking to green finance, held in Vientiane on March 17 - 18.

The meeting brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners to discuss actionable steps for implementing agroecology in the region, and reinforcing ASEAN's commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Discussions focused on the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement and green investments to support farmers in applying sustainable farming practices, thus further highlighting ASEAN's dedication to a resilient and sustainable agricultural future./.

VNA

See more

Indonesian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Minister Maman Abdurrahman speaks during the signing of financing agreements related to the People's Business Credit (KUR) at his office last week. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia plans task force to combat sale of counterfeit goods

The minister said that the report has prompted the Ministry of MSMEs to move toward the formation of a task force for the protection and empowerment of MSMEs in Indonesia, adding that the planned task force would be empowered to take action against those involved in the distribution and sale of counterfeit goods.

A screenshot of an article on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s official visit to Vietnam published by the Sankei Shimbun. (Photo: VNA)

Japanese public hails PM Ishiba’s visit to Vietnam

Major outlets provided detailed reports on the visit, with particular emphasis on the two PMs’ shared commitment to upholding the international order and promoting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based trading system.

Singapore negotiates for US concessions on pharmaceuticals, chips (Photo: Reuters)

Singapore negotiates for US concessions on pharmaceuticals, chips

Singapore is subject to a 10% tariff from the US. The country has previously warned of instability in its trade-dependent economy, along with heightened risks of recession and job losses. Singapore has lowered its 2025 GDP growth forecast to between 0% and 2%, following a 0.8% quarter-on-quarter contraction in the first quarter.

Bulusan is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines. (Photo: straitstimes.com)

Philippines raises alert level after Mt. Bulusan erupts

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Bulusan’s alert status from 0 to 1 on its five-level scale, signalling low-level volcanic unrest and warning of possible phreatic eruptions.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki (Photo: Malaymail.com)

Malaysia’s anti-corruption commission seizes over 65 million USD

In the first quarter of this year, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) recorded the largest asset seizure value of 177 million RM involving cash and gold bars related to the investigation against former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Azam noted.