$0The Republic of Korea (RoK) on October 29 officially opened a mission in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN) and appointed its ambassador to the association. $0$0 Addressing a ceremony to mark the debut of the mission, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said this move reflects the strong commitment of the RoK to its relations with ASEAN. $0$0 He said the mission and the ambassador will contribute to fostering cooperation between the RoK and the association, thus facilitating the implementation of the bilateral cooperation. $0$0 Pitsuwan urged the RoK to set up a program management team in Jakarta , which specialises on working closely with ASEAN member countries and the Secretariat, aiming to create favourable conditions for the implementation of the cooperation projects. $0$0 He also expressed his hope that the RoK will encourage its businesses operating in the region to establish an association so that they could collectively interact and engage with ASEAN and governments of its member states. $0$0 For his part, RoK Deputy Minister of Foreign and Trade Kim Kyou-hyun noted that ASEAN is now the second largest direct investment destination of his country. Two-way trade between the RoK and ASEAN increased from 98.6 billion USD in 2010 to 124.5 billion USD in 2011. $0$0 Thetwo sides have been implementing various cooperation projects includingone on an AEAN-ROK Cyber University, AEAN-ROK forest cooperation and the Global Movement of Moderates initiative of ASEAN.-VNA$0
See more

Korea-Indonesia Business Council set up to facilitate win-win cooperation
Korean investments in Indonesia totalled 15.4 billion USD as of late 2023, proving that Indonesia is not only a destination for investment, but also a strategic partner in long-term, sustainable growth.

Malaysia develops sustainable semiconductor ecosystem
BSIF I will target investments in companies within and adjacent to the semiconductor value chain, including high-tech manufacturing and automation.

Indonesia urges regions to apply smoke-free area policy actively
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has urged regional governments nationwide to move actively in implementing the smoke-free area policy to reduce secondhand smoke exposure.

Indonesia plans task force to combat sale of counterfeit goods
The minister said that the report has prompted the Ministry of MSMEs to move toward the formation of a task force for the protection and empowerment of MSMEs in Indonesia, adding that the planned task force would be empowered to take action against those involved in the distribution and sale of counterfeit goods.

Thailand's new digital arrival cards to help track criminals
Travellers must apply at least three days before the date of their planned arrival in Thailand. Applications will be accepted on the TDAC website starting on April 28 for people arriving on May 1.

Thailand tightens control over mobile subscriptions to curb cybercrime
Prasert said the mobile phone numbers had been registered since January 1, 2022. About 700,000 mobile phone numbers registered to foreigners in Thailand together with about 1.8 million mobile phone numbers that had not been registered to anyone will be checked.

Argentine press highlights Vietnam’s economic achievements since national reunification
Once among the poorest nations in the world, Vietnam has now become one of the most remarkable examples of economic transformation in the 21st century, reported ABC Mundial.

Spanish news site praises Vietnam’s historic victory
Spanish news site praises Vietnam’s historic victory

Japanese public hails PM Ishiba’s visit to Vietnam
Major outlets provided detailed reports on the visit, with particular emphasis on the two PMs’ shared commitment to upholding the international order and promoting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based trading system.

Indonesia strengthens cybersecurity cooperation to combat human trafficking
The Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) is working with several state institutions equipped with cyber surveillance capabilities to protect citizens from human trafficking syndicates.

Thailand continues to support earthquake victims in Myanmar
Its mission is to step up surveillance of communicable diseases and improve shelter and water management systems in quake-affected areas.

National consensus is Vietnam’s core, most sustainable source of strength: French scholar
Emphasising the role of national unity in achieving this historic victory, Eric Coudray, history teacher in Annecy, Indochina war expert and doctor of contemporary history at Paul-Valéry University Montpellier, highlighted the importance of reconciliation and national harmony in Vietnam's development.

Singapore negotiates for US concessions on pharmaceuticals, chips
Singapore is subject to a 10% tariff from the US. The country has previously warned of instability in its trade-dependent economy, along with heightened risks of recession and job losses. Singapore has lowered its 2025 GDP growth forecast to between 0% and 2%, following a 0.8% quarter-on-quarter contraction in the first quarter.

Malaysia highlights roles of ASEAN, BRICS in regional cooperation
Malaysia officially became a BRICS partner country on January 1, 2025

Philippines raises alert level after Mt. Bulusan erupts
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Bulusan’s alert status from 0 to 1 on its five-level scale, signalling low-level volcanic unrest and warning of possible phreatic eruptions.

Veteran Cambodian journalist shares honour to join Vietnam’s reunification anniversary celebration
In recent years, Vietnam's economy has developed rapidly and gained a lot of breakthroughs, with capable leaders and Party members being promoted to important positions, helping the country progress. He emphasised that the country has chosen a right path.

Japanese press: Prime Minister Ishiba eyes stronger ties with Southeast Asian partners
During his visit to Vietnam, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru toured a local industrial park where many Japanese companies operate and expressed his intention to take all possible measures to address the impact of US tariffs on Japanese companies operating overseas.

Thailand affirms its position as Asia’s leading ice cream exporter
Thailand has solidified its position as Asia’s top ice cream exporter and currently ranks fourth globally, leveraging its abundant resources and the benefits of free trade agreements.

Int’l organisations lower Indonesia’s 2025 economic growth forecast
Several international organisations on April revised their economic growth forecasts for Indonesia, reflecting concerns over escalating global trade tensions and domestic fiscal challenges.

Canal Caribe highlights Vietnam’s historic victory
Reporter Wilmer Rodríguez Fernández noted that the city, named after the late Vietnamese leader, was filled with joy and pride on this historic occasion.