World

BIMP–EAGA enhances SE Asian connectivity

Members of the Brunei , Indonesia , Malaysia , Philippines–East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP–EAGA) have signed a number of agreements on transportation projects to accelerate connectivity and trade in the sub-region.
Members of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines–EastASEAN Growth Area (BIMP–EAGA) have signed a number of agreements ontransportation projects to accelerate connectivity and trade in thesub-region.

The agreements were inked at the 8th BIMP-EAGA Transport Ministerial Meeting in Indonesia on October 22.

Indonesian Transport Ministry Secretary-General Leon Muhammad said thatthe projects include air services between Indonesia and Malaysiaand a bridge linking these two countries and Brunei .

The projects will bring practical benefits to local people,particularly businessmen, he said, adding that the June 2013 opening ofthe air service connecting Manado in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi provinceto Davao in southern Mindanao, the Philippines, has helped increaserevenues for the sister cities’ tourism, service and culture sectors.

Meanwhile, representatives from the Asian DevelopmentBank (ADB) and the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) showed theiroptimism about the success of these projects, saying they will help spursubregional economic development thanks to improved air, sea and landlinks.

Initiated in 1994, BIMP–EAGA covers the entiresultanate of Brunei ; the Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan, Sulawesi,Maluku and Papua; the states of Sabah and Sarawak and the federalterritory of Labuan in Malaysia , and the Philippines ’ Mindanaoregion and Palawan province.

The subregion covers an area of 1.6 million square kilometres with an estimated population of more than 57 million.-VNA

Follow VietnamPlus

See more

US President Donald Trump signs reciprocal tariff executive orders at the White House on April 2, 2025 (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Thailand to negotiate with US on tariffs

Thailand is on the list of 15 countries that could be affected by Trump’s tariff policy. The average US tariff on Thai imports is 2% while Thailand levies an average tariff of 8% on US products

More than two-thirds of the respondents in the AmCham survey flag potential reciprocal tariffs on countries taxing US imports as the biggest concern for their business. (Photo: The Straits Times)

New US tariffs may hurt Singapore companies: survey

A flash survey by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Singapore showed that more than two-thirds of the 36 respondents polled flagged potential reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax US imports as the biggest concern for their business – compared to existing trade measures.

US President Donald Trump announces new reciprocal tariffs at the White House on April 2. (Photo: Reuters/VNA)

US tariffs putting pressure on both US and ASEAN

The most immediate impact of Trump’s tariffs will be inflation, both in the US and worldwide. As import costs rise, businesses will pass these costs onto consumers, driving up prices, said Professor Phar Kim Beng of ASEAN Studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM).

Two foreign tourists buy curry puffs at the popular Khun Phu shop in the Talat Noi community in Bangkok on Monday. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand revises tourism strategy after earthquake

Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong said that a tourism risk and crisis management team will be established to support the industry, with representatives from organisations in the tourism supply chain, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Roads Authority.

General Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, former President of Laos and senior revolutionary of the LPRP. (Source: VNA)

Former Lao President Khamtay Siphanone passes away

General Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, former President of Laos and senior revolutionary of the LPRP, passed away at 10:30am on April 2 at the age of 102.

Rescue teams search for victims after the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 31, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Myanmar earthquake: Relief efforts face major challenges

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake has caused widespread destruction in central Myanmar, displacing tens of thousands. The situation has been further complicated by ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Sagaing region, making it extremely difficult to deliver aid to affected areas.

At the explosion site (Photo: Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim)

Malaysia investigates gas pipeline explosion

The incident destroyed 78 houses and 10 shop lots, while also damaging 237 other houses and numerous vehicles. An estimated 364 people were affected, including 63 injured.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra listens to a briefing by a team of Israeli rescuers who are part of an international contingent working at the collapsed building site in Bangkok. (Photo: Bangkok Post)

Thailand works to restore global trust after Myanmar quake

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra underscored Thailand's commitment to restoring its image and ensuring public confidence, noting that a thorough investigation into the project's approval, design and construction materials is underway.

Thailand speeds up investigation into Bangkok building collapse

Thailand speeds up investigation into Bangkok building collapse

The SAO building, valued at 2.1 billion THB (61.4 million USD), had been under construction for approximately five years and was nearing completion. It was the only building in Bangkok to collapse as a result of the powerful earthquake in Myanmar.

Delegates at the event (Photo: kpl.gov.la)

Laos aims for sustainable infrastructure development

Laos' Enabling Environment Roadmap for Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM EE) outlines strategies for the effective management of public infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, with a focus on resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.