Cambodia Reforms Intensified Ahead of Exiting LDC Status
Cambodia is gearing up to shed its Least Developed Country (LDC) status by the end of 2029, and as a result, reforms are being intensified to attract foreign direct investments and promote locally made products. The government is prioritizing the development of a strong human capital and promoting diverse investment opportunities.
Korean Funds to Develop Agri Sector
The Korean International Cooperation Agency has confirmed a RM54 million (US$12 million) grant to improve the capacity and quality of agricultural extension services in Cambodia from 2025 to 2030. This five-year program aims to improve local farmers’ livelihoods.
Indonesia
Bali Set to Punish Travelers Who Do Not Pay Tourism Tax Levy in 2025
The Bali Provincial Government has confirmed that it will be implementing stricter rules regarding the Bali Tourism Tax Levy. The mandatory tourism tax was introduced on February 14, 2024, but with over 60% of tourists failing to pay their way, leaders want to crack down on tourists dodging the IDR 150,000 fee.
PDI-P Claims Corruption Charges Against Hasto Kristiyanto Are Politically Motivated
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) alleged on Tuesday that political motives were behind the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) decision to name its secretary-general, Hasto Kristiyanto, as a corruption suspect.
Myanmar
Submarine Destroyers to Protect Maritime Zone
The government commissioned two locally built submarine destroyers yesterday to transform its navy capabilities into a regional force protecting Myanmar’s exclusive economic zone. The warships were commissioned during the 77th Anniversary Tatmadaw (Navy) Day ceremony in Yangon.
Soaring Corn Exports as Prices Remain High
The Myanmar Corn Industrial Association said it has exported over 1.7 million tonnes of maize this year. Maize prices have remained high due to foreign demand. Myanmar’s maize is currently sold to India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Singapore
Bangladesh Probes Singaporean Tycoon for Financial Crimes; His Lawyers Call It a Smear Campaign
A Singaporean billionaire is being investigated by the authorities in Bangladesh over a range of financial crimes, including money laundering, allegations that his lawyers say are part of a smear campaign.
More of the World’s Medicines Could Get Made in India, If It Can Cure Its Pharma Ills
Amid a rash of drug-related recalls and deaths, India’s pharmaceutical sector is racing to improve its quality and safety standards as it eyes a greater share of the global market.
Thailand
Finance Ministry Set to Select New Chairman of BOT Board of Directors
The Ministry of Finance is preparing to select a new chairman of the Bank of Thailand’s board of directors to replace Kittiratt Na-Ranong after the Office of the Council of State disqualified him for the role. The disqualification was based on the interpretation that his position as an adviser to the prime minister qualifies as holding a political office.
Thaksin Urges Coalition Unity
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra called for unity among coalition parties to ensure the government gets to complete its full term in office.
Vietnam
Joint Maritime Patrolling to Stop Crime at High Seas
Vietnam and Chinese coast guards conducted the fourth joint patrol in the northern waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and Dongxing City in China’s Guangxi province. The patrolling was to curb crimes and legal violations at sea, especially during the festival period.
Transforming Agri Sector to Be Environment-Friendly
Vietnam is modernizing its agricultural production to focus on ecological, organic, circular, and low-emission methods to achieve its net-zero emission goal by 2050. The sector is exposed to climate change impacts and also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article highlights the various news and updates from different countries in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The countries are taking steps to improve their economies, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
FAQs
Q: What is Cambodia’s plan to exit its LDC status?
A: Cambodia is intensifying reforms to attract foreign direct investments and promote locally made products.
Q: What is the purpose of the Korean grant to Cambodia’s agricultural sector?
A: The grant aims to improve the capacity and quality of agricultural extension services in Cambodia.
Q: Why is the Bali Provincial Government implementing stricter rules regarding the Bali Tourism Tax Levy?
A: The government wants to crack down on tourists dodging the IDR 150,000 fee.
Q: What is the purpose of the joint maritime patrolling between Vietnam and China?
A: The patrolling aims to curb crimes and legal violations at sea, especially during the festival period.
Q: What is Vietnam’s goal in transforming its agricultural sector?
A: Vietnam aims to achieve its net-zero emission goal by 2050 through ecological, organic, circular, and low-emission methods.