Thai council urges ASEAN unity in US trade talks
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) of Thailand has recommended that Thailand collaborate with other ASEAN nations to negotiate trade agreements with the U.S. to avoid high import tariffs and penalties.
Tourists in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo courtesy of VNA.
NESDC secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan warned that the U.S. is likely to increase import tariffs against nations that enjoy trade surplus before initiating trade talks with them.
He said Thailand alone would not have enough bargaining power to effectively negotiate lower tariffs with the new US administration under Donald Trump, according to the Thai English-language news site The Nation.
Danucha highlighted a growing concern over Chinese companies relocating their production bases to Thailand to evade tariffs. He proposed that the Board of Investment (BOI) encourage Chinese firms in targeted industries to establish partnerships in Thailand.
Currently, many Chinese companies register as new entities in Singapore, which then invest in Thailand, Danucha said.
He added that the BOI also should consider offering Chinese companies investment privileges if they have Thai partners.
- Read More
Singapore loosens monetary policy for first time in 5 years
The Monetary Authority of Singapore relaxed its monetary policy on Friday, marking the first adjustment in nearly five years, amid projections of slower inflation and economic growth this year.
Southeast Asia - Fri, January 24, 2025 | 7:53 pm GMT+7
Indonesia aims to produce EV batteries meeting global standards
Chairperson of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Anindya Bakrie has highlighted the country's ambition to become a reference for electric vehicle (EV) battery material processing standards in the world.
Southeast Asia - Fri, January 24, 2025 | 7:45 pm GMT+7
Northern Vietnam may face power shortage in summer
Vietnam's northern region is likely to face power shortage this summer (April, May, June) due to low hydropower supply.
Energy - Fri, January 24, 2025 | 7:35 pm GMT+7
Southern Vietnam province backs Thailand SCG’s petrochemical complex changes
Vietnam’s southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau will facilitate Siam Cement Group (SCG) to adjust its Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP) complex project.
Industries - Fri, January 24, 2025 | 3:27 pm GMT+7
Vietnam's leading broker VNDirect fined for tax violations
VNDirect Securities Joint Stock Company (HoSE: VND) was retroactively taxed and fined for tax violations by the Hanoi Tax Department.
Companies - Fri, January 24, 2025 | 3:16 pm GMT+7
Japan-invested SRE to triple rare earth processing in Vietnam to 3,929 tons
SRE Vietnam, under Japan’s Tokai Trade, is seeking permission to triple the rare earth processing capacity of its factory in Vietnam’s northern province of Ha Nam.
Energy - Fri, January 24, 2025 | 12:49 pm GMT+7
Hanoi office market 2025 in the hands of tenants: consultant
The Hanoi office market will be a tenants' market by the end of 2025 or even 2026, so developers need to change their financial equation to bring more attractive incentives to tenants, said Hoang Minh Nguyet, senior director for commercial leasing at Savills Hanoi.
Real Estate - Fri, January 24, 2025 | 10:05 am GMT+7
Apparatus streamlining, high GDP growth focuses of 13th Party Central Commitee's meeting
A two-day Party Central Committee conference opened in Hanoi on Thursday, with issues related to political system restructuring and national socio-economic development overshadowing the agenda.
Politics - Fri, January 24, 2025 | 9:07 am GMT+7
Indonesia sets ambitious goal to reach $20,000 per capita income
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) highlights the crucial role of downstream industries in driving Indonesia's economic transformation, aiming to position the country as a high-income nation with a per capita income of $20,000.
Southeast Asia - Fri, January 24, 2025 | 8:40 am GMT+7
Thousands of ‘unique’ commune products showcased at Green Tet market
The Green Tet, Vietnamese Gifts 2025 market showcases and sells more than 1,000 OCOP (One Commune One Product) products rated 3-5 stars, along with regional specialties and typical rural products from 49 provinces and cities across Vietnam.
Companies - Fri, January 24, 2025 | 8:34 am GMT+7
Malaysia’s economy on solid recovery path
Amid global economic challenges, Malaysia's economy maintained robust recovery throughout 2024, providing momentum for continued growth in 2025.
Southeast Asia - Thu, January 23, 2025 | 5:04 pm GMT+7
Thailand’s new financial business law expected to be approved next month
Thailand’s new financial business law designed to attract foreign funds is expected to be submitted to the Thai cabinet by early February, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Southeast Asia - Thu, January 23, 2025 | 5:01 pm GMT+7
Google fined $12.5 mln for unfair business practices in Indonesia
Indonesia's antitrust agency, KPPU, announced on Wednesday that it has imposed a fine of IDR202.5 billion ($12.5 million) on Google for abusing its dominant market position to force local app developers to use its payment system services for the Google Play Store.
Southeast Asia - Thu, January 23, 2025 | 4:59 pm GMT+7
Indonesia extends electric motorcycle conversion incentives into 2025
Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on Tuesday confirmed that incentives for electronic motorcycle conversion will continue in 2025 to foster the growth of the country's electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.
Southeast Asia - Thu, January 23, 2025 | 4:57 pm GMT+7
Thai cabinet approves carbon tax to curb emissions
The Thai cabinet approved a carbon tax of THB200 ($5.9) per ton of carbon emissions on January 21, as part of the country’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul.
Southeast Asia - Thu, January 23, 2025 | 4:55 pm GMT+7
Vietnam can lead ASEAN GDP growth in 2025 with 6.5%: research unit AMRO
Vietnam can reach an economic growth of 6.5% in 2025, leading the ASEAN bloc, according to Singapore-based ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).
Economy - Thu, January 23, 2025 | 4:51 pm GMT+7
