Phnom Penh (VNA)𝔉 – Cambodian media outlets have recently published several articles expressing admiration for Vietnam’s impressive economic growth in 2024.
E-newspaper ThmeyThmey published an article on January 18 titled Vietnam’s GDP grows by 7.09% in 2024, referencing data from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.
The report noted that Vietnam exceeded its GDP growth target of 6.5%, with key contributions from services and industrial production. It also highlighted progress in industrial and construction sectors, as well as trade and tourism which recorded the highest growth, playing a significant role in the overall GDP increase.
ThmeyThmey further reported that Vietnam’s GDP grew by 7.55% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 5.05% in the same period in 2023. The article cited Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's 2025 New Year message, in which he set a target for Vietnam to achieve at least 8% GDP growth this year, with aspirations for double-digit growth starting from 2026.
In another report, SBM.News also covered Vietnam’s GDP growth, attributing the nation’s continued economic recovery to its strong export performance and foreign direct investment.
The article praised Vietnam's growing status as a major regional manufacturing hub, benefiting from the global recovery in consumer demand despite the challenges posed by Yagi Typhoon in 2024.
SBM.News highlighted that Vietnam's exports grew by 14.3% in 2024 year-on-year, reaching a total value of 405.53 billion USD. Major export items included electronics, smartphones, textiles, and agricultural products. Imports also saw a 16.7% increase, totaling 380.76 billion USD.
Cambodian media also noted that Vietnam’s strong economic recovery was aided by the government's efforts to increase imports of raw materials for energy production, ensuring a stable electricity supply./.
Vietnam's economic prospects for 2025 are gaining momentum, bolstered by strong export growth, a rapidly expanding digital economy, and a robust e-commerce sector, according to analytics from prominent websites.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued a dispatch asking for concerted efforts to promote economic development in 2025 with an aim for a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of at least 8% in the year.
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.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
