ILO congratulates Vietnam, EU on signing free trade deal

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has welcomed the signing of the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA) on 30 June in Hanoi, which promotes the respect for fundamental labour rights as a basic condition for fair international trade.
ILO congratulates Vietnam, EU on signing free trade deal ảnh 1Vietnam and the European Union signed the free trade agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) on June 30 after nine years of negotiation. (Photo: eeas.europa.eu)
Hanoi (VNA) -The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has welcomed the signing of the EU-Vietnamfree trade agreement (EVFTA) on 30 June in Hanoi, which promotes the respectfor fundamental labour rights as a basic condition for fair internationaltrade.

“I congratulate Vietnam and the EU on this milestone. It is an excellentexample of how free trade agreements and sustainable development can bebalanced through mutual commitment to respecting and implementing principlesunder the ILO’s 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Workfor ensuring decent work for all,” said ILO Vietnam Director Chang-Hee Lee.

“I am pleased to see the major steps Vietnam has taken to meet the challengesof rapidly changing labour markets as well as to fulfil its internationalcommitments,” said the ILO Vietnam Director who applauded the country’sratification of Convention 98 and on-going revision of its Labour Code towardsbetter alignment with ILO fundamental conventions.

He reaffirmed ILO’s commitment to supporting the Vietnamese Government, workersand employers’ representatives in their reforms of labour laws and industrialrelations.

“I am convinced that Vietnam will successfully complete this mission for itsown future – a future built on higher productivity, better working conditions,the fair sharing of economic gains, equality, the recognition of the voices ofworkers and employers, and political and social stability,” he said. - VNA
VNA

See more

Thailand: Bhumjaithai Party forms alliance with Pheu Thai

Thailand: Bhumjaithai Party forms alliance with Pheu Thai

Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasised that both parties share confidence in the capacity and experience of their personnel to steer Thailand towards long-term stability and sustainable development, adding that they had agreed to put aside past misunderstandings and differences in the national interest.

Malaysia seizes a record of nearly 20 million USD worth of methamphetamine (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia busts largest-ever maritime drug trafficking ring

According to the MMEA, the operation took place on February 11 in waters off Pahang state, about 107 nautical miles northeast of Kuantan. Officers inspected the Thailand-flagged oil tanker Kamal Bangkok and discovered 76 sacks of methamphetamine that had been carefully concealed.

Laos moves to promotes sustainable coffee, tea farming

Laos moves to promotes sustainable coffee, tea farming

The coffee sector plays a vital role in Laos' socio-economic development. More than 80 domestic and foreign companies are currently investing in coffee production, processing and export, generating over 100 million USD in annual export value.

Department of National Defence (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (left) and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya (right), during the “ceremonial turnover” of five coastal surveillance radar systems to the country’s defence establishment on February 11. (Photo courtesy of the DND)

Japan hands over coastal surveillance radar to the Philippines

The equipment was provided under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework. The deal was finalised during the November 2023 visit to Manila by then Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, when the two sides exchanged notes for 600 million JPY (nearly 4 million USD) in OSA funding for the provision of coastal radar systems to the Philippine Navy.

Two Mahakam dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are seen swimming. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia takes emergency solutions to save Mahakam dolphins

Based on the latest data as of early February, only 66 of these endemic Mahakam River mammals are estimated to remain in the wild. This situation has prompted Indonesian authorities to take concrete and decisive actions to prevent the species from slipping into extinction.

ASEAN boasts potential of world's battery

ASEAN boasts potential of world's battery

He stressed that the deployment of smart grids would demonstrate ASEAN’s collective commitment to climate mitigation and green initiatives, adding that the bloc has the potential to become a major energy provider, or “battery”, for the world.

Malaysia’s manufacturing sector expected to sustain growth into 2026

Malaysia’s manufacturing sector expected to sustain growth into 2026

RHB Investment Bank maintained an optimistic view on the sector’s prospects, forecasting IPI growth of 4.1% in 2026. Despite concerns over a global economic slowdown, higher tariffs and geopolitical volatility, industrial activity is expected to remain on a growth trajectory. For the whole of 2025, Malaysia’s IPI expanded by 3.6%, nearly matching the 3.7% increase recorded in 2024.

 A total of 701 containers containing illegal e-waste were detained in Malaysia between 2021 and 2025 (Photo: New Straits Times)

Malaysia combats smuggling of e-waste

The Malaysian government is stepping up campaigns to strictly control cross-border e-waste and dismantle illegal processing facilities in an effort to protect the environment and fulfil its commitment to sustainable development.

Malaysia optimistic about palm oil growth prospects in 2026

Malaysia optimistic about palm oil growth prospects in 2026

In 2025, Malaysia's total export value of palm oil and palm oil products rose to 112.51 billion MYR (28.68 billion USD), up from 109.39 billion MYR in 2024, reflecting stable global demand as well as Malaysia’s focus on improving reliability and quality and investing in value-added products.

Indonesia’s Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita speaks during a focus group discussion on empowering national sea transport and shipbuilding in Jakarta on February 10. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia accelerates shipbuilding as strategic pillar of national logistics

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said that as a archipelagic nation, Indonesia relies heavily on maritime transport, which serves as the backbone of its national logistics system. Strengthening shipbuilding capacity is therefore crucial to improving inter-island distribution of goods and ensuring smooth connectivity across the country.

 Import permit delays disrupt Indonesian sugar refiners’ output

Import permit delays disrupt Indonesian sugar refiners’ output

According to the Indonesian Sugar Refiners Association, as of February 7, only seven of its 11 members had received permits to import raw sugar for 2026, covering about 41% of the total annual quota. Analysts said the recent issuance of some permits has led to temporary production disruptions at several refineries.