Ministers from 21 economies of the APEC forum gathered in Manila, the Philippines on November 16 for a two-day meeting to discuss cooperation on anti-terrorism and regional free trade initiatives.
The APEC Ministerial Meeting opens in Philippines on November 16 (Source :VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Ministers from 21 economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum gathered in Manila, the Philippines on November 16 for a two-day meeting to discuss🌳 cooperation on anti-terrorism after൩ the recent attacks in Paris and regional free trade initiatives.
The APEC economies are considering a general reaction on the recent attacks in France, which will be made public in a statement of APEC’s leaders scheduled to be released after the APEC Summit on November 18-19.
Manila meetings will discuss ways the 21 economies can coordinate towards the establishment of an APEC free trade area (FTAAP) based on the freshly-concluded Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP) agreement. APEC ministers will examine the progress of a joint study on the FTAAP project scheduled to complete by the end of 2016.
Besides, ministers will also discuss measures to help small-sized enterprises tap foreign markets, establish a supply network in case of natural disaster, promote women’s rights and intensify the development of high-quality infrastructure.-VNA
Vietnam’s policies are helping to foster multi-level economic connectivity in the Asia-Pacific as well as the building of an ASEAN Community and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
President Truong Tan Sang will attend the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and related meetings in Bejing, China from November 9-11 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Vietnam will continue to work with APEC member economies in order to step up regional cooperation and consolidate the position of the APEC forum, Vietnam’s representative confirmed.
Vietnam and member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum have pinned high hopes for their 22nd summit taking place in Beijing, China from November 5-11, marking the organisation’s 25 th anniversary.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
The APEC Ministerial Meeting opens in Philippines on November 16 (Source :VNA)
