ASEAN News
Cambodia
Cambodia is planning to export processed cashew nuts and pepper to the Japanese market and invite investments into its agro-processing sector. The move aligns with the Kingdom’s strategy to diversify export markets and attract foreign investment into the agricultural value chain.
Information Minister Neth Pheaktra has directed provincial and municipal information departments to increase local news production. The aim is to promote the attractiveness of local areas, and their cuisine, support livelihoods and enhance economic activities at the grassroots level.
Indonesia
Indonesia’s Presidential Envoy on Climate and Energy, Hashim Sujono Djojohadikusumo, criticised the Paris Climate Agreement, describing it as unfair to Indonesia. He also took aim at the United States for withdrawing from the accord despite being one of the world’s largest carbon emitters.
The United States has backed out from its role as a coleader in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) for Indonesia and passed the mantle to Germany, according to the JETP Secretariat in Jakarta.
Myanmar
The National Defence and Security Council held its first meeting yesterday to discuss health, education, national security, and free and fair multiparty democratic general election issues. Public security and counter-terrorism also featured prominently in their discussion.
Myanmar and Brazil held their fourth political dialogue at the national capital of Brasilia, where delegates discussed a wide range of topics. Myanmar’s officials briefed on the preparation for the general election, the peace process, the repatriation of displaced persons and trade.
Singapore
Talks are under way for a new Olympic-size ice rink to be built in Pandan Gardens, with a former landmark in the neighbourhood emerging as a potential ground for the new development.
Singapore on Friday (Jan 31) expressed its condolences to the United States over the collision of a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington that left 67 people dead.
Vietnam
Several new policies will take effect this month, mainly affecting business insurance, hydrology, amending regulations on forest rangers and public security matters. Farmers will receive support to restore their agricultural production in areas damaged by natural disasters and plant pests.
The Price Management Department assured the public of the supply and price stability of essential products after the Lunar New Year. It will continue to strengthen price monitoring, focus on ensuring a balance between supply and demand for goods, and reserve essential consumer goods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these news articles from ASEAN countries highlight the diversity of issues and developments in the region. From trade agreements and climate change to national security and economic growth, these stories showcase the complexity and richness of the ASEAN landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of Cambodia’s plan to export processed cashew nuts and pepper to Japan?
A: The move aims to diversify export markets and attract foreign investment into the agricultural value chain.
Q: Who is Hashim Sujono Djojohadikusumo, and what is his criticism of the Paris Climate Agreement?
A: Hashim Sujono Djojohadikusumo is Indonesia’s Presidential Envoy on Climate and Energy, and he has criticized the Paris Climate Agreement as unfair to Indonesia.
Q: What is the significance of the National Defence and Security Council’s first meeting in Myanmar?
A: The meeting discussed key issues such as health, education, national security, and free and fair multiparty democratic general election issues.
Q: What is the status of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in Indonesia?
A: The United States has backed out from its role as a coleader in JETP, and Germany has taken over the mantle.
Q: What are the new policies taking effect in Vietnam?
A: The policies will mainly affect business insurance, hydrology, amending regulations on forest rangers and public security matters, and support farmers in restoring agricultural production in areas damaged by natural disasters and plant pests.