ASEAN - EU commemorative summit expected to open era of better economic ties
A summit commemorating 45 years of diplomatic relations between ASEAN and the EU is expected to usher in an era of better economic ties, reported German newswire DW.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (the third from the right, first row) attends the 10th ASEAN-EU summit. (Photo: VNA)
Berlin (VNA) – A summit commemorating 45 years of diplomatic relations between ASEAN and the EU is expected to usher in an era of better economic ties, reported German newswire DW.
ASEAN and EU leaders are gathering in Brussels on December 14 for their first-ever in-person summit.
"I see it as an opportunity for the EU and ASEAN to commit to their strategic partnership and shared commitment of following the rules-based international order amid current geopolitical tensions," the newswire cited an EU official prior to the summit as saying.
There is still a lot of untapped potential in the ASEAN, which is on track to become the fifth largest economy in the world in the next four or five years, and the EU wants to complete more bilateral trade agreements, the official said, adding that it is important to diversify their supply and demand chains.
Boosting trade relations with ASEAN is a priority for EU leaders, according to the official
ASEAN is the EU’s third-largest trading partner after the US and China, trading goods worth more than 215.9 billion EUR (229.9 billion USD) in 2021.
The two blocs began negotiations on a free trade agreement in 2007, but instead opted for bilateral trade deals. However, according to the European Commission (EC), these bilateral trade and investment agreements could serve as a foundation for a future EU-ASEAN trade agreement.
The EU began trade negotiations with individual ASEAN countries like Singapore and Malaysia in 2010, Vietnam in 2012, Thailand in 2013, the Philippines in 2015 and Indonesia in 2016.
While agreements with Singapore and Vietnam have been completed, the EU hopes to resume trade talks with Thailand and the new governments of the Philippines and Malaysia at the summit. Ongoing trade talks with Indonesia are also expected to be discussed bilaterally.
EC President Ursula Von Der Leyen is also expected to put forward an EU investment package to develop renewable energy, transportation, the digital sector and infrastructure with ASEAN countries, the official added.
💦 An EU-ASEAN joint statement which focuses on boosting multilateral ties, is expected to be issued after the summit./.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived in Brussels on December 13 for the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit and an official visit to Belgium at the invitation of President of the European Council Charles Michel and Belgian PM Alexander De Croo.
Italian news website La Città Futura has run a story highlighting the important role of Vietnam as a bridge for the strategic partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN,) on the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s participation in the ASEAN-EU Summit commemorating the 45th anniversary of their relations.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for more efforts to intensify international solidarity, uphold multilateralisation, and cooperate more closely and effectively among countries, while attending the 10th ASEAN-EU Business Summit in Brussels on December 13 afternoon (local time).
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (the third from the right, first row) attends the 10th ASEAN-EU summit. (Photo: VNA) 
