Singapore becomes the first to ratify RCEP

Singapore ratified the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and deposited its ratification instrument on April 9, becoming the first participating country to complete the ratification process for the deal.
Singapore (VNA) – Singapore ratified theRegional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and deposited its ratification instrument on April 9, becoming thefirst participating country to complete the ratification process for the deal.

Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Singsaid in a press release the same day that Singapore's expeditious ratificationof the deal signals its strong commitment to strengthening the country's trade andeconomic linkages with its partners, for the benefit of our businesses andpeople.

"We look forward to our fellow RCEP ParticipatingCountries doing likewise, to expedite the entry into force of the agreement,”he said.

Signed on November 15, 2020, the RCEP is the world's largestfree trade agreement, bringing together all 10 ASEAN member countries and five partners - Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea.

The agreement will enter into force 60 days after it has been ratified by at least six ASEAN member states and three non-ASEAN signatories and their instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval have been deposited with the ASEAN Secretary-General.

The participating countries are targeting entry into forceon January 1, 2022./.
VNA

See more

Cambodian PM Hun Manet (Photo: AFP)

Cambodian PM urges police to crack down on all forms of crimes

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 80th founding anniversary of the National Police held in southern Kandal province, Hun Manet praised the countless achievements of the police forces, saying that police officers are the good guardians of the nation and people.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (R) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a joint press conference in Jakarta (Photo: AFP)

Indonesia, Australia strengthen defence collaboration

Indonesia is committed to finalising the ratification process of the defence cooperation agreement that was agreed upon last year, and continuing discussions on ways to improve and enhance collaboration in this area, said Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, speaks at the dialogue. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam reaffirms continued contributions to UNGA President’s Office

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang called on the UNGA President candidate to promote the issues of Vietnam’s concern during her tenure, including the upholding of and respect for international law and the UN Charter, and ensuring a transparent UN reform process with the full participation of all member states.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thailand outlines strategy for trade talks with US

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Pichai Chunhavajira detailed the strategy, which includes restructuring the agricultural processing sector to address domestic supply shortages and identify areas where US imports can complement Thailand's production chains.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra meets with fruit traders at Government House. (Photo: Thai Government House)

Thai PM announces comprehensive support plan for fruit farmers

The initiative involves direct procurement from farmers through four key channels, namely purchase with intent to distribute domestically, corporate social responsibility initiatives, purchase for consumption in organisations, and procurement by government agencies like the Department of Corrections.