German media emphasizes role of RCEP in Asia-Pacific economic integration
German newspapers have run articles spotlighting the importance of the Region Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), especially for economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region.
Berlin (VNA) – German newspapers have run articles spotlightingthe importance of the Region Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP),especially for economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region.
The agreement was signed on November 15 by 10 ASEAN countries and their trade partners –China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
Handelsblatt (Trade) newswire on November 14 said that the deal will form afree trade region which comprises of 2.2 billion people and accounts for one-third of global gross domestic product.
The agreement, signed after eight years of talks, willreduce tariffs, set common trade rules and also facilitate supply chains.
The article also cited economists as saying that the deal isof great importance for economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, FAZ newspaper assessed that reaching consensus on tariff reductions and regulations related to around 20 aspects is asuccess of the RCEP signatories which are competing in many fields.
The article quoted economist Radhika Rao from the DevelopmentBank of Singapore (DBS) as saying that the deal will bring about a chance forthe region to turn the “factory of the world” into the “market of the world”.
The DW (Deutsche Welle) newspaper also ran an article on thesigning of the RCEP, saying that 15 nations in the Asia-Pacific region have enteredinto the world's largest free-trade agreement, which they hope will acceleratethe recovery of their economies, ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic./.
Signatories of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement affirmed its significance to each country’s economy and regional trade-investment activities following the signing of the pact on November 15.
Thai Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong welcomed the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement at the virtual 4th RCEP Summit held on November 15.
Singapore will soon ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement which was signed by 15 member countries on November 15, said Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing.
The 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits concluded successfully, with a record number of 80 documents adopted and signed, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told the press on November 15.
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.
Illustrative image (Source: Straits Times) 
