Secretary-General of ASEAN Le Luong Minh speaks at the event (Photo: asean.org.vn)
The third ASEAN Connectivity Forum titled ASEAN-Korea Partnership for ASEAN Economic Building took place in the Republic of Korea on October 22.
Delegates from the 10 ASEAN member states introduced infrastructure projects and policy directions in the fields of transport, energy and information communication technology (ICT) to RoK businesses.
They also provided fresh information on the current statuses and challenges of projects being implemented under the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC).
Bilateral meetings were conducted to facilitate network-building among the Korean business community, ASEAN government organisations and experts in infrastructure.
The forum also focused on current statuses and challenges in MPAC and financial solutions for ASEAN connectivity.
Experts said the amount of investment required for infrastructure projects in ASEAN was the second largest in the world after the Middle East.
McKinsey, a global consulting company, found that 3.3 trillion USD in investments would be required for transport, water, energy and ICT projects in ASEAN countries between now and 2030.
Enormous opportunities for large-scale infrastructure projects will be created when the ASEAN Economic Community, with a population of 620 million and a combined total GDP of 2.4 trillion USD, is established.
As part of the ASEAN connectivity initiative, MPAC aims to narrow the economic development gap in the region through infrastructure connection. The master plan focuses on enhancing physical connectivity, institutional connectivity and people-to-people connectivity.-VNA
Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) enjoyed another year of successful cooperation in 2014, affirmed Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Pham Huu Chi.
The second meeting of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea (RoK) Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) was held in Jakarta on March 24, according to the ASEAN Secretariat.
Representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Republic of Korea (RoK) have reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN-ROK Strategic Partnership and agreed to enhance cooperation and further strengthen the relationship.
Trade activities between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea (RoK) will be promoted as the two sides have signed an agreement fostering their customs cooperation, announced the Korea Customs Service (KCS) on May 22.
ASEAN will attract more foreign investment with its robust economic growth, primarily driven by its competitive young workforce and soon-to-be-discovered potential, once the ASEAN Community is formed.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Secretary-General of ASEAN Le Luong Minh speaks at the event (Photo: asean.org.vn)
