MLC foreign ministers support open world economy

Foreign ministers from six Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) countries have highlighted the importance of an open world economy and the maintenance of a rules-based multilateral trade system with the World Trade Organisation at its core.
MLC foreign ministers support open world economy ảnh 1Foreign ministers from six Mekong-Lancang Cooperation countries pose for a photo at the meeting in Laos (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) –Foreign ministers from six Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) countries have highlightedthe importance of an open world economy and the maintenance of a rules-basedmultilateral trade system with the World Trade Organisation at its core.

In apress statement released after the conclusion of the fourth MLC ForeignMinisters’ Meeting in Laos, ministers from China, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar,Thailand, and Vietnam reaffirmed that the MLC will be based on the principlesof consensus, equality, mutual consultation and coordination, voluntarism,common contribution, and shared benefits.

Theyalso reiterated respect for the United Nations’ charter and international law, aswell as aspired towards a spirit of friendship, openness, and inclusivity.

Theministers agreed to promote the synergy of national development strategies,bring into full play resource endowment and competitive advantages, promoterational flow and optimal allocation of production factors, and to start a discussionon jointly building a MLC Economic Development Belt for mutual benefit andshared prosperity.

Theyalso pledged to conduct high-quality production capacity cooperation and speedup the formulation of a cooperation plan on connectivity among the Mekong-Lancangcountries and development plans of cross-border economic and productioncapacity cooperation.

Theministers expressed readiness to work together for the complete success andpositive outcomes of the fifth MLC foreign ministers’ meeting to be held inDecember 2019 in China and the third MLC leaders’ meeting in January 2020 inLaos.

Thefirst MLC leaders’ meeting took place in March 2016. –VNA 
VNA

See more

A convenience store damaged in the Thailand – Cambodia border conflict in Sisaket province of Thailand (File photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Thailand halts peace deal with Cambodia

The Thai Government views the landmine blast that injured Thai soldiers as a setback to efforts aimed at reducing tensions, and the scheduled release of Cambodian prisoners of war on November 12 will also be suspended.

The Philippines evacuates 100,000 people as Fung-wong intensifies into super typhoon. (Photo: economictimes)

Typhoon Fung-Wong causes severe economic damage in Philippines

Preliminary reports from ReliefWeb estimate combined infrastructure damage in the Philippines from Kalmaegi and Fung-Wong at 292,000 USD, with agricultural losses of 184,000 USD, affecting over 600 farmers and fishermen and 460 hectares of farmland.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (R) welcomes Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (Photo: thestar.com)

Thailand, Singapore enhance bilateral collaboration

The Thai and Singaporean PMs witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs), notably an MoU on rice trade cooperation between the two governments, under which Thailand agreed to sell Singapore up to 100,000 tonnes of rice annually.

Indonesia to add 30 urban trains in Jakarta

Indonesia to add 30 urban trains in Jakarta

The addition of new trains is expected to help Indonesia ease traffic congestion, improve the quality of public transport services, and promote sustainable socio-economic development in Indonesia’s most densely populated urban area.

Illustrative image (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia to end diesel imports by 2026

Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has reported to President Prabowo Subianto that Indonesia is on track to stop importing diesel fuel by early 2026, marking a major milestone in national energy independence.

Director General of the Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics (ILMATE) Industry at the Ministry of Industry Setia Diarta during the Opening of GIIAS Makassar on November 5. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia to downstream EV batteries in two years

Indonesia is projecting the downstreaming of electric vehicle (EV) batteries for motorcycles and cars within the next two years, according to Director General of the Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics (ILMATE) Industry at the Ministry of Industry Setia Diarta.

At the launch of the programme. (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand launches programme to reduce healthcare costs for citizens

Under the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), private hospitals in Thailand must provide complete and accurate prescriptions listing drug names and usage details. This transparency allows patients to choose whether to buy their medicines directly from the hospital or from registered pharmacies outside.

Illustrative photo (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand delivers tepid rice export forecasts for 2026

Thailand maintains its export target for next year at 7.5 million tonnes, including 3.5 million tonnes of white rice, 1.7 million tonnes of hom mali rice, 1.4 million tonnes of parboiled rice, 600,000 tonnes of Thai fragrant rice and 300,000 tonnes of sticky rice.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn (Photo: Bernama)

ASEAN Secretary-General: Higher education will shape the region’s future

The ASEAN chief revealed that the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Strategic Plan designates education as a driver for equity and sustainable development. Its agenda calls for enhancing access to quality education, promoting lifelong learning, and integrating green skills into curricula. In short, academic purpose serves societal and community purpose.

Thailand aims for 129 gold medals at 33rd SEA Games

Thailand aims for 129 gold medals at 33rd SEA Games

At the 32nd SEA Games held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from May 5–17, 2023, Thailand ranked second overall with 108 gold, 96 silver, and 108 bronze medals. Vietnam topped the standings with 136 gold, 105 silver, and 114 bronze medals.