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.

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

Seoul (VNA) – Malaysia and the Republic of Korea (RoK) are set to hold their seventh round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) as both countries look to expand their trade portfolio and strengthen cooperation, according to the RoK’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.

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.

Negotiations resumed in March 2024 after a five-year hiatus. Kwon Hye-jin, director general for FTA negotiations at the ministry, emphasised efforts to swiftly strike an FTA with Malaysia, a key ASEAN partner, amid the fast-changing global trade environment from the expansion of protectionism.

While the RoK already has an FTA with ASEAN, it is pursuing individual agreements with member nations to further enhance trade ties./.

VNA

See more

Outbound travellers are pictured at the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi airport during the Songkran festival last year. (Photo: Bangkokpost)

Thailand increases transport services for Songkran Festival

Suriya said that 16.32 million personal vehicles are estimated to traverse Bangkok over the festival next month, with 7.01 million using highways and motorways and 9.31 million using expressways. Around 15.84 million people are tipped to use public transport, including buses, trains, boats and airplanes.

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid (right) meets with Secretary of China’s Nanning Municipal Party Committee Nong Shengwen in Jakarta on March 25. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia, China cooperate in digital technology

This was the centre of discussion between Indonesian Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid and visiting Secretary of China’s Nanning Municipal Party Committee Nong Shengwen on March 25.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (R) in Parliament on March 26 (Photo: Royal Thai Government)

Thai PM sails through no-confidence vote

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra survived a no-confidence vote in the parliament on March 26, winning the backing of 319 among 488 lawmakers present.

Singapore embraces technology for safer maritime operations. (Photo: www.sciencepark.com.sg)

Singapore embraces technology for safer maritime operations

Speaking at the Accelerating Digitalisation and Decarbonisation Conference, part of the Singapore Maritime Week, Khor also highlighted plans to expand drone services in the Port of Singapore, including coordinated drone operations to help contain toxic and flammable fumes during chemical spills at sea.

The headquarters of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (Photo: MAS)

Singapore’s core inflation falls in February

Economists said Singapore's inflation will continue to ease in the months ahead, with a chance that consumer prices might even drop if the global economy takes a sharp turn downwards.

Solar panels in Indonesia. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Indonesia keeps commitment on energy transition

The US withdrawal from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) will not reduce the nine other countries' commitment to support Indonesia to achieve the net-zero target date by 2060.

Indonesia's Ministry of Transport has prepared 30,451 buses to serve the homecoming flow. (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia gears up for Idul Fitri celebrations

The Indonesian government has implemented measures to ensure stable prices and adequate supplies before Ramadan and particularly for Idul Fitri. Essential commodities including rice, cooking oil, sugar, and meat have seen increased supply to meet heightened holiday demand.

Traders serve vegetable buyers at Senen Market, Jakarta. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia ensures food supply during Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr

Indonesia's Cheap Food Movement (GPM) programme focuses on stabilising consumer-level prices for essential commodities like rice, cooking oil, and bird's eye chilis, offering them at prices within the government's retail price ceiling.