Indonesia showcases “blue economy” model, eyes wider adoption across ASEAN

Indonesian authorities hope Banyuwangi regency’s experience will serve as a practical model that can be replicated across the region.

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia showcased the sustainable marine economy model of Banyuwangi regency in East Java province as a best-practice example at the ASEAN-ID Blue Forum, aiming to promote regional cooperation and inspire broader adoption of sustainable ocean development across ASEAN.

The forum was held on July 17–18 by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It brought together representatives from ASEAN member states as well as partners from the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Banyuwangi was selected as the venue in recognition of its success in balancing marine conservation with fisheries development, sustainable tourism, support for small businesses and improved livelihoods for coastal communities.

Indonesian authorities hope the regency’s experience will serve as a practical model that can be replicated across the region.

In addition to discussions on the sustainable management of marine resources, the blue economy and regional cooperation, delegates took part in field visits to Merah Putih fishing village and the Bangsring Underwater marine conservation area to learn about the marine tourism model linked with ecosystem conservation, livelihood development and local empowerment./.

VNA

See more

Cambodia steps up efforts to protect endangered wildlife

Cambodia steps up efforts to protect endangered wildlife

Conservation experts emphasise that protecting the Giant Ibis is of paramount importance and urge the public to prevent illegal land clearing, end wildlife trafficking and poisoning, and decline the consumption or keeping of wild animals.

Cambodia, RoK expand “Peace Village” initiative for rural development

Cambodia, RoK expand “Peace Village” initiative for rural development

The Peace Village Project is part of the Cambodia-RoK Strategic Partnership. In its second phase, the project is being implemented in 30 villages across three northwestern provinces that were heavily affected by war and landmines, with the aim of transforming them into areas of peace, sustainable development and shared prosperity.

A view of the meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and 150 researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) on August 6 (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia sees technology mastery as key to national progress

Addressing a meeting with 150 researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) on August 6, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto affirmed that mastery of science and technology is essential for accelerating national development and enhancing Indonesia's global competitiveness.

Cambodia eyes higher value-added manufacturing

Cambodia eyes higher value-added manufacturing

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol urged the private sector to work closely with the government in preparing for the next phase of industrial development by moving upstream into higher value‑added manufacturing and strengthening supply chain capabilities.

Malaysia steps up drive to build world-class startup ecosystem

Malaysia steps up drive to build world-class startup ecosystem

For KL20 2026, four new priority areas have been added, aligning with Malaysia's 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), which seeks to increase economic complexity, strengthen high-value industries and expand domestic production of value-added goods and services.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (front, right) and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing (front, left) at their meeting in Bangkok on August 6, 2026 (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

Thailand, Myanmar jointly tackle cross-border pollution

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Thai Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin described the TOR signing as an important milestone in bilateral environmental cooperation, saying it would enhance water resource management, protect ecosystems and improve life quality for those living in border areas.

Thailand, Japan deepen cooperation in smart agriculture

Thailand, Japan deepen cooperation in smart agriculture

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in smart agriculture through the application of automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced technologies and innovation, while promoting the use of modern agricultural machinery and expanding workforce training.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (left) and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing (centre) at the official welcome ceremony for the latter in Bangkok on August 6, 2026. (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

Thailand, Myanmar promote economic, space technology cooperation

At the Thailand-Myanmar Business Forum in Bangkok, attended by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, President Min Aung Hlaing and more than 700 representatives from government agencies, businesses and the business communities of both countries, the two leaders outlined orientations for boosting economic cooperation and expanding bilateral ties.

At least four killed in Philippines landslides

At least four killed in Philippines landslides

Philippine authorities said four days of heavy rain on the island of Luzon have triggered multiple landslides. In Benguet province, a hillside collapsed onto a small restaurant on August 6, burying three employees working in the kitchen.

Thai rice exports decline nearly 19% in first half of 2026

Thai rice exports decline nearly 19% in first half of 2026

DFT Director-General Arada Fuangthong attributed the decline to abundant global rice supplies, which have intensified price competition. In addition, conflicts in the Middle East disrupted Thai rice exports to Iraq – one of its key markets – from March.

Buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Illustrative photo: AFP/VNA)

Malaysia businesses thrive on AI boom

Nineteen Malaysian companies enter Forbes Asia’s 2026 list of the 200 best companies with annual revenues of less than 1 billion USD, more than double the number from the previous year.