Indo-Pacific Strategy to help strengthen Vietnam-Canada education, business ties: expert

Canada’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific can help boost its educational cooperation with Vietnam and fortify connections between the two business communities, Chief Executive Officer of Cooperation Canada Kate Higgins has assessed.
Ottawa (VNA) – Canada’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific can help boost its educational cooperation with Vietnam and fortify connections between the two business communities, Chief Executive Officer of Cooperation Canada Kate Higgins has assessed.

Higgins told a Vietnam News Agency's reporter in Canada that the strategy can also propel forward collaboration for peace and security among countries in the region.

Launched in November 2022, the ten-year strategy is expected to see Canada spending 2.5 billion CAD in the first five years on fufilling the goals of promoting peace, resilience and security, expanding trade-investment and supply chain resilience, investing in and connecting people, building a sustainable and green future, and consolidating partnerships. 

According to Higgins, despite the multifaceted strategic objectives, the core focus lies in establishing human connections. In fact, it serves as a catalyst for the implementation of such Canadian initiatives as the “Trade Gateway” in Southeast Asia and the one aiming to transform Canada into an active partner in this region.

Also on the topic, TB Nguyen, Director of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), noted that trade and investment with the region, particularly ASEAN, are a crucial part of the strategy.

Vietnam currently stands as Canada's top trading partner within ASEAN and has long been regarded as the gateway for Canadian businesses to enter this area. The two countries have recently concluded a dynamic year filled with a series of activities commemorating their 50th diplomatic anniversary.

Christopher MacLennan, a deputy minister at Global Affairs Canada, meanwhile, acknowledged Vietnam's significant role in the region, making it an extremely important destination for Canada. The two nations have a longstanding positive relationship, with Vietnam receiving developmental support across various sectors. However, Canada aims to further enhance and modernise the relationship across spheres from security and safety to climate change and trade./.
VNA

See more

Illustrative photo (Photo: omy.sg)

Singapore’s gold export to US increases sharply

According to data from state agency Enterprise Singapore, volumes of gold shipped from Singapore to the US rose to about 11 tonnes in January, up 27% from December, and the largest amount since March 2022.

The DITP predicts the Chinese market for dried and preserved fruits will reach 335.3 billion CNY (46 billion USD) by 2028. (Photo: The Nation)

Thailand leads dried fruit exports to China

The DITP predicts the Chinese market for dried and preserved fruits will reach 335.3 billion CNY (46 billion USD) by 2028 and is urging Thai businesses to capitalise by developing innovative, high-quality products.

Singaporean Minister for National Development Desmond Lee (Photo: straitstimes.com)

Singapore makes efforts to upgrade social housing

Singaporean Minister of National Development Desmond Lee said on February 17 that 29,000 flats built in 1997 or earlier have been chosen for the Housing Board’s Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and will get structural improvements and upgrades to bathrooms and entrances, among other things.

Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is encouraging the utilization of marine biopharmaceuticals. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia promotes Marine Biopharma in healthcare

The ministry's Director General of Marine and Ocean Space Management Victor Gustaaf Manoppo stated that this initiative aims to enhance national pharmaceutical resilience while empowering coastal communities involved in the supply chain of natural medicinal ingredients.

Myanmar cracks down on online scam centres

Myanmar cracks down on online scam centres

An estimated 220,000 people were estimated to have been tricked into working for romance-investment schemes, crypto fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling in Myanmar and Cambodia in 2023.

People get vaccinated against influenza in Thailand. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Thailand sees surge in influenza cases

Thai Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said there has been a big jump in infections in February, calling on people showing symptoms that could be flu to stay home, to prevent spreading the virus.

Thai PM Paetongtarn says AI technology needs to be adopted and regulated to help drive the Thai economy. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand touts draft AI regulation

AI is expected to become a key tool in driving businesses and developing industries in Thailand, said Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

At the Korea-Malaysia Trade Ministers' Meeting in 2023 (Photo: Koreaherald.com)

Malaysia, RoK resume FTA talks

The latest round of talks will take place in Kuala Lumpur from February 17 to 20, with discussions covering 11 key sectors, including goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation.