Malaysia ready to ratify RCEP

Malaysia's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) on January 21 announced that the country submitted its Instrument of Ratification (IOR) to the ASEAN Secretariat on January 17, becoming ready to be the 12th member state to ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).
Hanoi (VNA) – Malaysia's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) on January 21 announced that the country submitted its Instrument of Ratification (IOR) to the ASEAN Secretariat on January 17, becoming ready to be the 12th member state to ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).

According to the MITI, the RCEP agreement will be a key enabler for Malaysia in revitalising the domestic and international business activities in a post-pandemic world.

It said the pandemic has underscored the paramount importance of international trade and cooperation, as well as the inter-linkages of regional supply chains.

Business communities, from large- to small-scale entrepreneurs, are encouraged to take advantage of the vast investment opportunities and greater participation in regional and global value chains presented by this mega trade agreement, it said.

As a trading nation, Malaysia will continue to be an open economy, with business-friendly and pragmatic policies that foster a conducive investment climate in the country, it said in a statement.

MITI said within ASEAN, Malaysia is expected to be the largest beneficiary of the RCEP agreement in terms of gains in exports, with a projected 200 million USD increase.

The largest free-trade agreement in the world will enter into force for Malaysia on March 18, 2022. It brings together 11 other signatory countries, namely Singapore, China, Japan, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea that have completed the ratification process./.
VNA

See more

The increasing role of AI in identity verification through facial recognition has further driven demand for data centre services in the financial sector. (Photo: Bangkokpost)

Thailand's data centre services market to expand 8% in 2025

Data centre services are expected to account for 43.3% of the overall Thai data centre market this year, with the remainder coming from companies' investment in their own data centres, according to Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research).

Singaporean Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong (R) (Photo: scmp.com)

Singapore launches election campaign

According to regulations, the campaign period will last until just before polling day on May 3. Political parties with six or more candidates are allowed to participate in two Political Party Broadcasts (PPBs) for the general election.

The Thai PM explains that the funds were allocated based on village size (Photo: The Nation)

Thailand releases 330 million USD to boost grassroots development

The village fund programme in Thailand has operated for over 20 years, circulating more than 300 billion THB (8.9 billion USD) to date. She credited the initiative to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, which was continued and expanded by former PM Yingluck Shinawatra, in 2012 with additional budget allocations.

Thailand is working to promote high-value cruise tourism. (Source: BangkokPost)

Thailand promotes cruise tourism

Last year, Thailand recorded 162 cruise ship calls, carrying 379,036 passengers and 163,331 crew members, generating 1.89 billion THB (56.5 million USD) in revenue, a 6.9% increase from 2023. Leading source markets include Singapore, the UK, Malaysia, the US, and Germany.

ASEAN, US hold 37th annual dialogue in Cambodia (Photo: Getty)

ASEAN, US hold 37th annual dialogue in Cambodia

The co-chairs highlighted the strong and durable partnership with ASEAN over the past 48 years. They discussed pressing geopolitical issues, including the importance of facilitating a free and open Indo-Pacific. O’Neill further expressed the need to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra rejects rumours about a potential cabinet reshuffle. (Photo: The Nation)

Thai PM dismisses cabinet reshuffle rumours

Speaking to reporters at Government House after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Paetongtarn insisted she had no plans to adjust her ministerial line-up or oust the Bhumjaithai Party - the second-largest partner - from her coalition government, The Nation of Thailand reported.

Thailand will scrap certification for steel produced using outdated IF technology. (Photo: The Nation)

Thailand plans to eradicate polluting steel production technology

The Thai Ministry of Industry will review the certification standards for steel manufactured via the IF process, a method known for its limitations in removing impurities from molten steel and higher levels of dust and toxic gas emissions compared to more modern methods.

Around 18,000 units of illegal items were seized during a raid on March 21. (Photo: HSA)

Singapore seizes illegal health products

Under Singapore's law, individuals found guilty of importing, manufacturing or supplying illegal health products face a two-year jail term, a 50,000 SGD fine, or both.