China, ASEAN agree to push economic cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary General of ASEAN, have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation and reach the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal at an early date.
China, ASEAN agree to push economic cooperation ảnh 1Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) meets with Secretary General of ASEAN Lim Jock Hoi in Jakarta, Indonesia, on May 7, 2018. (Source: Xinhua)
Jakarta (VNA) – Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary General ofASEAN, have agreed to strengthen economic cooperation and reach the RegionalComprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal at an early date.

Duringa meeting with Lim in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 7, Li said China highly valuesthe cooperation with ASEAN and firmly supports the building of the ASEANcommunity.

Chinasupports ASEAN's central role in regional cooperation and backs the bloc toplay a bigger role in building an open and inclusive regional cooperation mechanism,he added.

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEANstrategic partnership, China is willing to lift the strategic partnershipbetween the two sides to a higher level, Li stressed.

He said in the current economic circumstance of the world, both sides shouldfirmly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, push forward regionalcooperation, and promote the RCEP.

Lim,for his part, said ASEAN appreciates China's long-term support to the bloc’s integrationprocess.

ASEAN is willing to further deepen economic and trade cooperation and enhance frequentpeople-to-people exchanges with China, jointly safeguard a rule-based multilateraltrade system and support the early signing of the RCEP, towards bringing morebenefit to the people in China and ASEAN member countries, and contributing tothe prosperity and stability in the region and the world, he affirmed.

Afterhis trip to Indonesia, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will visit Tokyo at theinvitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and join leaders from Japanand the Republic of Korea in a trilateral summit.-VNA
VNA

See more

A meeting of the Lao National Assembly (File photo: VNA)

Lao parliament discusses new development, budget plans

During the NA's 10th meeting, Lao legislators are set to consider the implementation results of the 9th five-year socio-economic development plan (2021–2025), the draft 10th five-year plan (2026–2030), along with budgetary and monetary plans for 2025 and 2026.

A convenience store damaged in the Thailand – Cambodia border conflict in Sisaket province of Thailand (File photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Thailand halts peace deal with Cambodia

The Thai Government views the landmine blast that injured Thai soldiers as a setback to efforts aimed at reducing tensions, and the scheduled release of Cambodian prisoners of war on November 12 will also be suspended.

The Philippines evacuates 100,000 people as Fung-wong intensifies into super typhoon. (Photo: economictimes)

Typhoon Fung-Wong causes severe economic damage in Philippines

Preliminary reports from ReliefWeb estimate combined infrastructure damage in the Philippines from Kalmaegi and Fung-Wong at 292,000 USD, with agricultural losses of 184,000 USD, affecting over 600 farmers and fishermen and 460 hectares of farmland.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (R) welcomes Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (Photo: thestar.com)

Thailand, Singapore enhance bilateral collaboration

The Thai and Singaporean PMs witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs), notably an MoU on rice trade cooperation between the two governments, under which Thailand agreed to sell Singapore up to 100,000 tonnes of rice annually.

Indonesia to add 30 urban trains in Jakarta

Indonesia to add 30 urban trains in Jakarta

The addition of new trains is expected to help Indonesia ease traffic congestion, improve the quality of public transport services, and promote sustainable socio-economic development in Indonesia’s most densely populated urban area.

Illustrative image (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia to end diesel imports by 2026

Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has reported to President Prabowo Subianto that Indonesia is on track to stop importing diesel fuel by early 2026, marking a major milestone in national energy independence.

Director General of the Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics (ILMATE) Industry at the Ministry of Industry Setia Diarta during the Opening of GIIAS Makassar on November 5. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia to downstream EV batteries in two years

Indonesia is projecting the downstreaming of electric vehicle (EV) batteries for motorcycles and cars within the next two years, according to Director General of the Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics (ILMATE) Industry at the Ministry of Industry Setia Diarta.

At the launch of the programme. (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand launches programme to reduce healthcare costs for citizens

Under the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), private hospitals in Thailand must provide complete and accurate prescriptions listing drug names and usage details. This transparency allows patients to choose whether to buy their medicines directly from the hospital or from registered pharmacies outside.

Illustrative photo (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand delivers tepid rice export forecasts for 2026

Thailand maintains its export target for next year at 7.5 million tonnes, including 3.5 million tonnes of white rice, 1.7 million tonnes of hom mali rice, 1.4 million tonnes of parboiled rice, 600,000 tonnes of Thai fragrant rice and 300,000 tonnes of sticky rice.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn (Photo: Bernama)

ASEAN Secretary-General: Higher education will shape the region’s future

The ASEAN chief revealed that the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Strategic Plan designates education as a driver for equity and sustainable development. Its agenda calls for enhancing access to quality education, promoting lifelong learning, and integrating green skills into curricula. In short, academic purpose serves societal and community purpose.