Latest news with #VIENTIANETIMES
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam : July 21, 2025
SEEK TO SPLIT TARIFFS WITH US BUYERS -- THE JAKARTA POST MINISTER: RICE IN JAPAN COSTS US$6/KG, JUST UNDER US$1 IN INDONESIA -- JAKARTA GLOBE Indonesian exporters are looking to split the tariff load with their buyers in the United States to maintain a competitive price, the success of which economists say ultimately rests on how high the import duties imposed on other countries get since pressing down cost to maintain a margin is easier said than done. Indonesia's Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman urged the public to appreciate the country's stable food prices, particularly rice, as neighboring and developed countries grapple with rising costs and supply shortages. LAOS FOR CHEAPER ELECTRICITY PRICE -- VIENTIANE TIMES The government will renegotiate power purchase agreements with hydropower plant operators to revise electricity tariffs to reduce the burden on the public. Power bills rose after authorities introduced a new pricing system in February. FUNDS TO UPLIFT RURAL ECONOMY -- VIENTIANE TIMES The Lao Front for National Development will expand its financial programme to assist Lao farming families and cooperatives. The aim is to promote commercial products and services, create job opportunities and generate income that can alleviate rural poverty. MYANMAR INVITES FARM SECTOR INVESTORS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Bago Region Investment Committee approved foreign investment worth RM30 million (US$7 million) in June. The southern central region is inviting foreign investments to manufacture agricultural machinery, fertilisers, animal feedstuff and solar energy. DETAINED FOR ILLICIT TRADE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR During a three-day nationwide crackdown on illegal trade, security forces apprehended smugglers transporting foodstuff, coal, diesel and teak wood. Thirty-three smugglers, who were using lorries and boats to conduct their illicit trade, were detained. SINGAPORE 1. PRIORITY FOR SINGLES, HIGHER QUOTA FOR SECOND-TIMER FAMILIES TO KICK IN FROM HDB'S JULY BTO EXERCISE -- THE STRAITS TIMES A slew of policy changes will kick in, starting with the upcoming HDB Build-To-Order (BTO) flat sales exercise in July, benefiting singles as well as families looking to upgrade or right-size their homes. CONSUMER BRANDS GAINING FOOTHOLD IN INDONESIA, MALAYSIA AS THEY SHED 'WORLD'S FACTORY' IMAGE -- CNA When Indonesian Dwi Soejatmoko, 42, bought his first television set about 20 years ago, he opted for a brand he had never heard of before: Changhong. THAILAND 1. THAILAND BRACES FOR HEAVY RAINS AS TROPICAL STORM WIPHA APPROACHES -- THE NATION Tropical storm Wipha to bring widespread heavy rain across Thailand from July 20–24. Authorities urge caution amid flood and landslide risks. 2. POLICE SET TO SUBMIT RESULT OF SAO PROBE TO PROSECUTORS -- BANGKOK POST The result of the police's investigation into the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building will be submitted to prosecutors tomorrow, says the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB). VIETNAM CASH CROPS TO HIT BILLION-DOLLAR MARK -- VIETNAMPLUS Passion fruit, banana, pineapple and coconut have been identified as Vietnam's next billion-dollar export products. Vietnam cultivates more than 50 fruit varieties across over 1.3 million hectares of farmland. Only durian crossed the RM4.25 million (US$1 billion) export mark. MARKETPLACE FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER -- VIETNAMPLUS Hanoi plans to launch a technology exchange next year to accelerate the city's shift towards a knowledge-based economy. Technology providers, buyers and regulators can meet via the platform. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indones, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: July 17, 2025
President Prabowo Subianto said Wednesday that Jakarta's decision to acquire dozens of jets from the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing was necessary to expand flag carrier Garuda Indonesia's fleet. US President Donald Trump recently announced that Indonesia had agreed to buy 50 Boeing jets. Local businesses welcomed a new trade deal with the United States that slashes a proposed 'reciprocal' tariff from 32 per cent to 19 per cent, saying the outcome is more favorable than what regional peers face. LAOS RAINS WREAK HAVOC IN LAOS -- VIENTIANE TIMES About 25 villages in five northern provinces have been severely affected by floods since Monday, including Luang Prabang, a popular tourist hub in Laos. Sweeping floods have destroyed farmland, roads and houses, leaving 400 families homeless. 2. CENTURIES OLD BUDDHA RELICS FOUND -- VIENTIANE TIMES Workers unearthed 70 ancient Buddha artefacts in Vat Meuang Kang temple in Champasak province in southern Laos. The items date back to the 17th or 18th centuries. They were found in a jar during renovation on the temple's manuscript repository. MYANMAR MYANMAR DEEPEN MILITARY TIES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Indian and Myanmar armed forces personnel held a discussion in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday on strengthening military cooperation in various fields. Border security and development, as well as rescue and relief operations during emergencies, topped their agenda. ENERGY SUPPLY FOR PEOPLE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Ministry of Electric Power is focusing on efficient power generation based on the availability of natural gas. It also aims to ensure that power plants continue to generate a stable electricity supply and that power transmission lines are installed safely and securely. SINGAPORE LAUNCHES ANTI-VAPING CHECKS NEAR 5 INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING -- THE STRAITS TIMES The anti-vaping blitz has extended to areas near schools, with enforcement officers conducting checks outside five institutes of higher learning (IHL) across Singapore on July 14. IS BACK IN SINGAPORE – BUT CAN IT AVOID PAST PITFALLS? -- CNA A cautious revival is underway in Singapore's bike-sharing scene, as operators expand their fleet while working to regain public trust lost in the chaos of the industry's early days. THAILAND 1. HIGH-STAKES DECISION LOOMS OVER NEXT BANK OF THAILAND GOVERNOR -- THE NATION The selection committee for the next governor of the Bank of Thailand (BOT) has shortlisted two final candidates and submitted their names to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. 2. GOVT URGES 'MAXIMUM RESTRAINT' -- BANGKOK POST Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the government is "deeply dissatisfied" with Cambodia over the recent Ta Muen Thom incident but urged the public and military to remain calm. VIETNAM OF BABY TURTLES RELEASED INTO SEA -- VIETNAMPLUS About 4,500 baby turtles were released into the ocean in the first half of this year as part of Con Dao National Park's conservation efforts. Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the park is a popular eco-tourism attraction known for turtle nesting. PARK, SPORTS COMPLEX FOR HANOI'S ME LINH -- VIETNAMPLUS City planners will develop the Me Linh Park and a modern sports complex as part of the Hanoi Master Plan 2030. The park will showcase Me Linh's rich cultural identity and a lush flower garden, and include sports facilities. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, & Thailand: July 16, 2025
The appointment of dozens of deputy ministers as state-owned enterprises' (SOEs) commissioners has raised renewed questions over conflicts of interest and the potential impact on the government's overall performance, amid the lack of any mechanism to evaluate poorly performing cabinet members. US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he had reached a deal with Indonesia as Jakarta tried to get Washington to drop its looming tariffs. Trump broke the news on the social media platform Truth Social by announcing that it would be a win for both sides. 1. LANCANG-MEKONG TO FINANCE LAO PROJECTS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos has secured about RM12 million (US$2.8 million) from the China-funded Lancang-Mekong Cooperation for 10 development projects. The funding will cover agriculture, human resources, public health, water resources and poverty eradication projects. 2. INCENTIVES FOR JAPANESE INVESTORS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Lao will offer several investment incentives to Japanese investors. It has announced exemptions on import duties for raw materials and construction equipment used in production, cheaper electricity, and water supply. MYANMAR 1. APRIL-JUNE HONEY OUTPUT TOUCHES 480 METRIC TONNES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar exported over 480 metric tonnes of honey valued at RM3 million (US$720,000) between April and June this year. Myanmar produces about 4,000 metric tonnes of honey annually and 60 per cent is exported. THREATS TO FAMILIES IN MAGWAY - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Families living in Magway Region are being evacuated as the water level of the Ayeyarwady River has been rising due to rain. Authorities fear the water level could reach a dangerous level in the coming days. SINGAPORE TARIFFS MAY LAST WELL AFTER TRUMP; CRUCIAL FOR COUNTRIES TO DEEPEN TRADE TIES: SM LEE -- THE STRAITS TIMES Countries that support free trade should strengthen cooperation and work together to adapt to evolving global trade dynamics in response to the United States' increasingly protectionist stance. OF TARIFFS NOT TEMPORARY, WORLD WILL NOT GO BACK TO STATUS QUO: SM LEE -- CNA The world will not go back to 'status quo', or what it was like before US President Donald Trump rolled out tariffs, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday (Jul 15). THAILAND 1. THAILAND BRACES FOR HEAVY RAIN AND ROUGH SEAS AS STRONG MONSOON INTENSIFIES -- THE NATION A low-pressure cell and strong southwest monsoon bring heavy rain and 3-metre waves to parts of Thailand. Small boats advised to stay ashore. 2. MONKS' TITLES RESCINDED, 'GOLF' CUFFED -- BANGKOK POST His Majesty the King has issued a royal command to revoke the royal appointments and ecclesiastical titles previously conferred upon a total of 81 monks, in light of recent reports of monastic misconduct that have deeply affected public sentiment. VIETNAM FISHING IN CA MAU -- VIETNAMPLUS The Ca Mau province is eliminating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing to help remove the European Commission's 'yellow card' warning on Vietnam's seafood exports. Sustainable practices are being promoted to about 2,000 fishing vessel owners in the area. RULES ON DAIRY PRODUCTS IMPACT EXPORTERS -- VIETNAM NEWS Only sterilised milk made from fresh raw milk can be exported to China starting September 16. Vietnamese exporters can only use fresh cow or goat milk as raw material for sterilised milk production, including ultra-high temperature and pasteurised milk. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
14-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: July 14, 2025
BOARDING SCHOOLS FOR POOR CHILDREN TO OPEN ACROSS INDONESIA NEXT WEEK -- JAKARTA GLOBE Indonesia and the European Union have reached a political 'breakthrough' on a long-delayed trade pact, President Prabowo Subianto and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Sunday in Brussels, paving the way for a new strategic partnership in an increasingly fractured global economy. Indonesia is set to launch its ambitious Sekolah Rakyat (People's Schools) programme on Monday, offering free boarding school education to children from the nation's poorest households. Chief Community Empowerment Minister Muhaimin Iskandar said preparations are complete, including the enrollment of children from the lowest economic bracket to begin classes next week. LAOS WATER PRICE TO RISE THIS YEAR -- VIENTIANE TIMES Authorities will raise tap water prices from 2025 to 2027 to manage production costs and assist the Vientiane Water Supply Enterprise recover from financial losses. Funds are needed to improve water infrastructure and cover the overhead costs. PLEDGE TO ENHANCE TRADE TIES -- VIENTIANE TIMES Lao and Russia will expand cooperation in various areas to strengthen their strategic partnership ahead of their 65th diplomatic anniversary this October. This includes energy, education, defence, trade, culture, mine clearance and modernising hospitals. MYANMAR TRAWLERS BACK TO THE SEA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Prices of marine products will drop as the fishing season resumes. About 30 per cent of the nearly 900 offshore fishing trawlers in Yangon are now able to go out to the sea. Since early this year, choppy waters have hindered fishing. CHECKS ON GOLDSMITHS IN YANGON -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Federation of Myanmar Gold Entrepreneurs Association will inspect gold shops in Yangon to ensure traders comply with the new gold weight system and operate with licences. About 1,500 goldsmiths in Yangon have applied for goldsmith licences. SINGAPORE ECONOMY CONTINUES TO EXPAND IN Q2 DESPITE US TARIFF UNCERTAINTY: ADVANCE ESTIMATE -- THE STRAITS TIMES Singapore's economy continued to grow in the second quarter of 2025 despite persistent global trade headwinds and US tariff uncertainty weighing on the export-reliant economy ECONOMY GREW 4.3% IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2025: MTI ADVANCE ESTIMATES -- CNA Singapore's economy grew 4.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, faster than the 4.1 per cent growth in the first quarter of the year, according to advance estimates from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on Monday (Jul 14). THAILAND 1. CHINESE MASTERMIND HIRES GANG TO ABDUCT COMPATRIOT IN PATTAYA -- THE NATION Thai police have arrested four men who abducted and robbed a Chinese national in Pattaya while impersonating local police officers. 2. GOVT TAKES ON KHAO KRADONG DISPUTE -- BANGKOK POST Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will set up a committee to investigate the long-standing Khao Kradong land dispute in Buri Ram province, which involves state-owned land allegedly overlapping with property linked to the influential Chidchob family. VIETNAM NANG MUSEUM EXHIBITS ANCIENT ARTEFACTS -- VIETNAMPLUS The Da Nang Museum is hosting an exhibition displaying artefacts dating 15th century to the Nguyen Dynasty. About 200 rare collections including gilded wooden furniture, ceramics, royal costumes, gold-thread embroidery and Chinese pottery are on display. NINH MAGNET FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENTS -- VIETNAMPLUS After Hanoi, Bac Ninh attracted the most foreign direct investment in the first six months of this year in Vietnam. The northern province attracted RM51 billion (US$12 billion) mostly in the electronics component and manufacturing sectors. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Barnama
07-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: July 7, 2025
Cambodia said it will fund the repatriation of 20 Khmer antiques from Thailand. The Thai government said it is unable to return the items due to financial constraints. Cambodia wants Thailand to proceed with the return of the artefacts as previously agreed. Cambodia announced it will host the 6th Francophonie Entrepreneur Meeting in 2026. About 1,000 delegates from the French-speaking countries will attend the business conclave where they are expected to discuss on challenges, strengthening the supply chain and bolstering trade connections. INDONESIA CLOSER TO FILLING AMBASSADOR POST IN US -- THE JAKARTA POST Indonesia has moved closer to filling the long-vacant ambassadorial seat in the United States after the government nominated former senior minister Indroyono Soesilo, who was screened by the House of Representatives on Saturday. SEAFDEC COLLABORATE TO REDUCE MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION IN THE SEA -- ANTARA The Indonesian Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry along with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (SEAFDEC/IFRDMD) are working together to improve the capacity of human resources to reduce microplastic pollution in the sea. LAOS 1. LAO BULLION BANK EXPANDS LOAN ISSUANCE -- VIENTIANE TIMES The Lao Bullion Bank has partnered with four commercial banks to provide loans secured by gold certificates issued by the bullion partner banks are the Joint Development Bank, Lao Development Bank, ST Bank, and the Agricultural Promotion Bank. FINANCIAL LIQUIDITY TO WOO INVESTORS -- VIENTIANE TIMES Banque pour le Commerce Extérieur Lao Public has appointed Lao-China Securities Public Company as its financial advisor to support capital expansion. This strategic collaboration is to build long-term financial stability and foster investor confidence. MYANMAR RURAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government urged all stakeholders to implement sustainable rural development projects that are in line with this year's 'World Rural Development Day: 'Harnessing Rural Strength to Transform Our World' theme. Almost 70 per cent of Myanmar's population resides in rural areas. 2. INJURED BABY ELEPHANT RECOVERING AT WINGABAW CAMP -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR One of the baby elephants injured at the Wingabaw elephant camp is recovering. The mother elephant accidentally hit one of its newly born twins with its leg which caused a spinal cord injury. Veterinarians managed to provide medical treatment and protect the calf. SINGAPORE SHOULD NOT ASK QUESTIONS TO 'CLOCK NUMBERS'; FOCUS SHOULD BE IMPROVING S'POREANS' LIVES: SEAH KIAN PENG -- THE STRAITS TIMES Singaporeans can expect more debate in the upcoming 15th Parliament, with today's uncertain world and the need for more policies to tackle the attendant challenges, and more MPs in the House. OR QUIT? HOW SOME GEN Z WORKERS IN SINGAPORE ARE MARCHING TO THE BEAT OF THEIR OWN DRUM -- CNA When Ms Kumar, 27, told her parents she planned to leave her first job, her mother was taken aback and questioned her lack of 'loyalty" to the company. THAILAND 1. PAETONGTARN, THAKSIN, AND SRETTHA TO PRESENT THAI SOFT POWER VISIONS AT 2025 FORUM -- THE NATION Paetongtarn, Thaksin, and Srettha to headline Splash – Soft Power Forum 2025 in Bangkok, sharing visions for tourism, sports, and Thai cultural identity. 2. BORDER ROW GOES TO UN BOSS -- BANGKOK POST The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it blames Cambodia for breaking its own promise to resolve border issues with Thailand through bilateral mechanisms agreed upon by both countries. VIETNAM PRESCRIPTIONS IN ALL HOSPITALS STARTING OCTOBER -- VIETNAM NEWS The Health Ministry issued a final directive to all hospitals nationwide to implement electronic prescriptions starting October 1. The circular mandates all hospitals and other healthcare facilities like clinics and private medical centres to fully adopt e-prescribing. WAGE DEMAND TO IMPROVE WORKERS' WELFARE -- VIETNAM NEWS The Vietnam labour organisation is urging the government to implement a 9.2 per cent increase in the minimum wage across all regions to enhance the economic conditions of workers. This new wage adjustment is anticipated to take effect on January 1, 2026. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
