ASIAD 2018 brings high hope to Indonesia’s economy

The 18th Asian Games (ASIAD 2018) from August 18 to September 2 in Indonesia is expected to facilitate a cash flow of 22 trillion IDR (1.6 billion USD) to the economy of this Southeast Asian country.
ASIAD 2018 brings high hope to Indonesia’s economy ảnh 1The 18th Asian Games (ASIAD 2018) is expected to facilitate a cash flow of 22 trillion IDR (1.6 billion USD) to the Indonesian economy. (Photo: News.cn)

Jakarta (VNA) – The 18th Asian Games (ASIAD 2018) fromAugust 18 to September 2 in Indonesia is expected to facilitate a cash flow of22 trillion IDR (1.6 billion USD) to the economy of this Southeast Asiancountry, said Minister for National Development Planning Bambang Brodjonegoro.

The event would contribute 18.5 trillion IDR (1.32 billion USD) to the economyof South Sumatra province alone, which is one of the two localities hosting theevent.

Of the total cash flow, an amount of 3.7 trillion IDR (255.3 million USD) isfor construction sector, 5.8 trillion IDRs (400.2 million USD) for ASIADpreparation, and 2.4 trillion IDR (165.6 million USD) earned from tourists’spending.

Positive impacts of ASIAD on the Indonesia’s economy include the Government’sinvestment to improve infrastructure and sport facilities in its two largestcities of Jakarta and Palembang where competitions will take place, he said.

More than 400,000 tourists will visit Jakarta during the ASIAD 2018, including154,000 foreigners.

Meanwhile, more jobs will be created, economic growth will be promoted andpublic collection will also increase, he said, adding that an upturn will bewitnessed in entertainment (26.1 percent), hotels (2.17 percent), construction(0.15 percent), transport (0.44 percent), food and beverage (0.4 percent), andother services (0.47 percent).

In long term, ASIAD 2018 is expected to bring additional 40.4 trillion IDR(nearly 3 billion USD) to the Indonesian economy during 2015-2019, 18.5trillion IDR (1.27 billion USD) of which is for infrastructure construction,20.9 trillion IDR (1.44 billion USD) from event organisation, and 1.2 trillion IDR(82.8 million USD) from visitors’ spending.-VNA

VNA

See more

The Thai PM explains that the funds were allocated based on village size (Photo: The Nation)

Thailand releases 330 million USD to boost grassroots development

The village fund programme in Thailand has operated for over 20 years, circulating more than 300 billion THB (8.9 billion USD) to date. She credited the initiative to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, which was continued and expanded by former PM Yingluck Shinawatra, in 2012 with additional budget allocations.

Thailand is working to promote high-value cruise tourism. (Source: BangkokPost)

Thailand promotes cruise tourism

Last year, Thailand recorded 162 cruise ship calls, carrying 379,036 passengers and 163,331 crew members, generating 1.89 billion THB (56.5 million USD) in revenue, a 6.9% increase from 2023. Leading source markets include Singapore, the UK, Malaysia, the US, and Germany.

ASEAN, US hold 37th annual dialogue in Cambodia (Photo: Getty)

ASEAN, US hold 37th annual dialogue in Cambodia

The co-chairs highlighted the strong and durable partnership with ASEAN over the past 48 years. They discussed pressing geopolitical issues, including the importance of facilitating a free and open Indo-Pacific. O’Neill further expressed the need to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra rejects rumours about a potential cabinet reshuffle. (Photo: The Nation)

Thai PM dismisses cabinet reshuffle rumours

Speaking to reporters at Government House after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Paetongtarn insisted she had no plans to adjust her ministerial line-up or oust the Bhumjaithai Party - the second-largest partner - from her coalition government, The Nation of Thailand reported.

Thailand will scrap certification for steel produced using outdated IF technology. (Photo: The Nation)

Thailand plans to eradicate polluting steel production technology

The Thai Ministry of Industry will review the certification standards for steel manufactured via the IF process, a method known for its limitations in removing impurities from molten steel and higher levels of dust and toxic gas emissions compared to more modern methods.

Around 18,000 units of illegal items were seized during a raid on March 21. (Photo: HSA)

Singapore seizes illegal health products

Under Singapore's law, individuals found guilty of importing, manufacturing or supplying illegal health products face a two-year jail term, a 50,000 SGD fine, or both.