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Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Representative of Amir receives Asian leaders
Representative of Amir receives Asian leaders KUALA LUMPUR: Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang, His Majesty Sultan Haji Al-Bulqah Mu'izzaddin Wal-Dawla of Brunei, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Dr Sonexay Siphandone, Singaporean Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lawrence Wong on the sidelines of the 2nd ASEAN-GCC summit and the 2nd ASEAN-GCC-China summit in Kuala Lumpur. Discussions also covered the close bilateral relations between the countries and ways to enhance and develop them to achieve the common interests of the countries and peoples. — KUNA photos Representative of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince met with Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang on the sidelines of the 2nd ASEAN-GCC summit and the 2nd ASEAN-GCC-China summit. Representative of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince receives with His Majesty Sultan Haji Al-Bulqah Mu'izzaddin Wal-Dawla of Brunei on the sidelines of the second summits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the People's Republic of China. Representative of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince holds talks with Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Dr Sonexay Siphandone on the sidelines of the 2nd ASEAN-GCC summit and the 2nd ASEAN-GCC-China summit. Representative of His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince on Monday met with Singaporean Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lawrence Wong, on the sidelines of the 2nd ASEAN-GCC summit and the 2nd ASEAN-GCC-China summit.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Khammuan province celebrates Laos' historic year with ambition and action
VIENTIANE: The year 2025 is a time of pride and reflection for Laos, as the country celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the 50th anniversary of the Lao PDR, and the 105th birth anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane. Located in the geographic heart of Laos, Khammuan province is honouring these milestones not only with celebration, but with concrete progress. In a recent interview, Governor Vanxay Fongsavanh shared how the province is transforming national pride into lasting development by creating jobs, attracting investment and showcasing its natural beauty to both locals and the world. Situated in central Laos, where National Roads 13 and 12 intersect, Khammuan has become a vital logistics hub—connecting provinces and neighbouring countries alike. Under its current five-year socio-economic development plan, the province is focusing on three priority sectors: agriculture and forestry, energy and mining, and tourism and services. 'We're building on what makes Khammuan strong,' said Governor Vanxay. 'By focusing on our natural resources and strategic location, we are driving real development.' One of the province's flagship developments is the Asia Potash International Investment project, a large-scale foreign enterprise focused on potash fertiliser production and the development of a smart industrial park. The project is Chinese-owned. According to the company, it currently employs about 5,000 local workers and 2,000 foreign nationals. It plans to hire an additional 1,500 labourers. 'The plant produces around three million tonnes of potash a year,' the Governor said. 'It's a major contributor to the economy of Khammuan province and to national development.' Meanwhile, agro-processing industries are on the rise—turning local crops into high-value products and drawing strong interest from domestic and foreign investors. Several companies have already begun surveys and pilot operations. 'We're actively promoting agro-processing,' the Governor said. 'These ventures are helping to diversify our economy and create rural employment.' Khammuan is making concerted efforts to create a business-friendly environment. The provincial administration is easing land access, addressing bureaucratic hurdles and assisting investors with local workforce recruitment through community engagement. 'Investors are coming from many countries, with China being our largest partner,' Governor Vanxay said. 'Chinese companies are investing in industry, agriculture, and tourism.' In 2024, Governor Vanxay led a trade mission to Shanghai province in China, resulting in over US$850 million in new investment through more than ten signed Memoranda of Understanding. The province aims to expand its investment promotion efforts to other regions of China this year. One tangible result of this partnership is the recently opened Khammuan International Hospital, a Chinese-funded facility that strengthens healthcare services for both residents and foreign workers. Tourism continues to be one of Khammuan's most promising sectors. From dramatic limestone caves to pristine waterfalls, the province boasts a wealth of natural and cultural treasures. According to Governor Vanxay, Khammuan has identified 210 potential tourist sites, with 23 already open to visitors. A new attraction, Khun Khong Lang Lake, is set to open in June and is expected to draw increasing numbers of both Lao and foreign tourists. Another emerging highlight is Phou Pha Marn, developed by Green Discovery led by eco-tourism pioneer Inthy Deuansavanh. Nestled among striking karst landscapes, this site offers adventure experiences such as zip-lining, canopy walks, rock climbing, and hiking—all designed to showcase the landscape while preserving its natural integrity. 'Our province is rich in natural beauty and culture,' said Governor Vanxay. 'We're proud to share that through festivals, cultural events, and responsible tourism.' As Laos marks a year of national reflection, Khammuan stands out as a province not only celebrating its heritage but also shaping the country's future. 'This year, Laos is celebrating three historic occasions. Khammuan has been preparing and intensifying efforts to create even greater successes to mark these meaningful days,' Governor Vanxay said. - Vientiane Times/ANN
GMA Network
26-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos welcomed by Anwar Ibrahim in ASEAN Summit
KUALA LUMPUR — President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. on Monday morning attended the welcome ceremony for the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summit. Marcos was welcomed by Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia is this year's host of the Summit and Related Summits. The Philippine leader is expected to engage other ASEAN heads of state in tackling regional and global challenges, such as developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, maritime security, climate change, economic volatility, and digital disruption. Marcos will also attend the 16th Brunei, Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit, which he will chair; the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit; and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. The President will also hold bilateral meetings with Vietnam, Kuwait, and Lao PDR; as well as in various leaders' engagements. This year's ASEAN Summit has the theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability,' which highlights the region's shared commitment to progress and resilience. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
25-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos vows to push for ethical AI in ASEAN
KUALA LUMPUR - President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. vowed to push for an ethical and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) during the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. Marcos left for Malaysia to participate in the Summit and its related meetings. He is set to have bilateral talks with Vietnam, Lao PDR, and Kuwait. "I will also highlight the Philippines' commitment to the development of a common regional framework for ethical and responsible AI or Artificial Intelligence aligned with ASEAN values," Marcos said in his departure speech. In 2023, Marcos underscored that the Philippines was ready to AI as he called on technology firms to partner with the Philippines when it comes to what he described as a "technological revolution." Marcos had said Manila is already embracing the AI revolution to augment the existing skills of Filipinos, increase the productivity of enterprises, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy. —RF, GMA Integrated News
Malaysian Reserve
25-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia, Laos to fast-track ASEAN power grid, expand port and rail connectivity
By AUFA MARDHIAH MALAYSIA and Laos have agreed to accelerate the second phase of the ASEAN Power Grid project, while also deepening collaboration on transport infrastructure, port development, and digital economy initiatives. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said both countries were aligned on pushing forward regional energy interconnectivity, with the next phase aiming to link Laos, Cambodia and Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. 'I agree with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone that we should fast-track the second phase to benefit Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand into Malaysia and Singapore,' he said during a joint press conference in Putrajaya today, in conjunction with the Lao PDR Prime Minister's official visit to Malaysia. He added that the first phase — connecting Vietnam to northern Peninsular Malaysia — is already in progress as part of ASEAN's broader energy integration ambitions. Malaysia and Laos also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade and logistics connectivity, with updates on the inland port in Perlis that links to a tunnelling port in Laos. The project is expected to be completed within the year. To support cargo flows between both countries, Anwar said a new agreement has been signed with Penang Port to channel goods through Perlis and onwards to Laos via the inland facility in Tanah Leng. 'This showcases a very important collaboration not just in port operations, but also in trade and investment between our two friendly countries,' he said. Both leaders also discussed joint efforts in port training and management, with Malaysian ports — including Penang Port, Port Klang, and Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) — ready to offer technical assistance and capacity-building programmes. In addition, cooperation in labour, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductors was explored, with both sides expressing interest in expanding talent development and technology sharing. The two countries also highlighted ongoing progress under the KTMB–LNR–SE memorandum on the proposed ASEAN express train, which aims to shorten travel time between ASEAN countries and China through improved rail connectivity. Anwar also expressed hope that consensus could be reached for Timor-Leste's full ASEAN membership by October this year, adding that the matter will be discussed further at the upcoming ASEAN leaders' retreat. On the situation in Myanmar, he reiterated the need to uphold the Five-Point Consensus, calling for continued humanitarian aid, an immediate ceasefire, and constructive dialogue under ASEAN mechanisms. Anwar further thanked Laos for its support throughout Malaysia's transition into the ASEAN Chairmanship this year and described the bilateral relationship as warm and cooperative. He added that Sonexay is expected to return for a working visit in the near future to further strengthen government-to-government and private sector ties between both countries.
