Cambodian parliament approves new ministers

Cambodia’ National Assembly on December 20 approved the appointments of new ministers for the newly-split ministries – the Ministries of Industry and Handicrafts, and of Mines and Energy.
Cambodia’ National Assembly on December 20 approved theappointments of new ministers for the newly-split ministries – theMinistries of Industry and Handicrafts, and of Mines and Energy.

The two ministries were split from the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy last month.

All 67 lawmakers unanimously voted for Cham Prasidh, former ministerof commerce and Suy Sem, former minister of industry, mines and energyas the ministers of industry and handicrafts, and mines and energy,respectively.

Xinhua News Agency cited Deputy PrimeMinister Keat Chhon as saying that industry and handicrafts have beenlargely contributing to socio-economic development.

He added that currently, there are about 500,000 small-and-medium-sized enterprises employing about 1.6 million people.

For the industry, the country has about 890 large-scaled factories creating more than a half million jobs.

In mines and energy, he said, the sectors will also provide huge benefits to economic development in the 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.