World

Singapore Forum discusses opportunities, challenges in Asia

More than 200 politicians, policymakers and business executives met to discuss opportunities and challenges facing Asia and the world in the 2016 Singapore Forum.
Singapore Forum discusses opportunities, challenges in Asia ảnh 1Part of Singapore (Photo:AFP)

Singapore (VNA) – More than 200 politicians, policymakers and business executives met to discuss opportunities and challenges facing Asia and the world in the 2016 Singapore Forum.

Themed “Asia and the World – Shared Opportunity, Shared Prosperity”, the two-day forum, opened on April 1, promoted practical dialogues and meaningful discussions.

Participants also discussed slower trade and economic growth, rising income inequality and changing demographics as well as Asian countries’ strategic relations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the host country’s Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that significant slowdown in productivity growth is a challenge globally.

Shanmugaratnam, also Singaporean Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies, said that there is a need to boost deeper cooperation between governments and industries in order to solve the problem.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Singapore Forum Advisory Board Wong Kan Seng said that there is a need to heighten appreciation of the challenges that may affect Asia’s growth trajectory and promote greater cooperation and strengthen the foundations for inclusive and sustainable growth in the region and the world.

Organised for the first time in 2015, the Singapore Forum focuses on discussions covering geo-strategic, political, economical and governance issues that have an impact on regional development and stability.-VNA

VNA
#2016 Singapore Forum #opportunities and challenges #Asia Singapore
Follow VietnamPlus

See more

A street in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Indonesia acts to curb air pollution in Jakarta

According to the State of Global Air 2023 report, Indonesia ranks among the world's top 10 countries with the highest exposure to PM2.5 particles, with annual averages exceeding 30 micrograms per cu.m while the World Health Organidation recommends a threshold of 5 micrograms per cu.m.

Delegates offer incense at the commemoration. (Photo: VNA)

Cambodia commemorates victims of Pol Pot genocide

The National Day of Remembrance has played an important role in promoting national reconciliation and unity within Cambodian society. It helps raise awareness about the atrocities committed under Democratic Kampuchea and contributes to efforts to prevent the recurrence of such brutal and inhumane acts.

Street food restaurants on Banthat Thong Road in Bangkok. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand offers new incentives to support SMEs

One key measure to support Thai entrepreneurs is an increase in the corporate income tax (CIT) benefits granted to BOI-promoted SMEs, which will now receive a five-year CIT exemption equal to as much as 100% of their investment in enhancing their capabilities and improvements, up from the previous three-year CIT exemption capped at 50% of investment.

Participants pose for a group photo at the special film screening commemorating the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh on May 19 in Greece. (Photo: VNA)

Film screening in Greece honours President Ho Chi Minh

Together with the recent release of a Greek-language biography of President Ho Chi Minh, the film screening honours the genius leader of Vietnam’s revolution, a national liberation hero, a world cultural icon, and a close friend of all peoples who have fought for peace, national independence, democracy, and social progress across the globe.