The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Russia-ASEAN Business Council (RABC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on mutual understanding, creating a foundation for bilateral cooperation in the time ahead, especially in the digital field.
Bangkok (VNA) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)and the Russia-ASEAN Business Counc👍il (RABC) have signed a memorandum ofunderstanding (MoU) on mutual understanding, creating a foundation forbilateral cooperation in the time ahead, especially in the digital field.
The information was revealed by RABC Executive Director Daniyar Akazievon the sidelines of the Thailand-Russia Committee for Bilateral Cooperationheld in Thailand on December 27.
He said that based on the MoU, which was inked at the ASEAN Business andInvestment Summit in Singapore on November 12 and 13, the initiative to createa Russia-ASEAN digital environment will be implemented from next year whenThailand assumes the Chair of ASEAN.
Akaziev affirmed that the two sides hold much potential for cooperationin the fields of cyber security, digital television, and ensuring the qualityof software.
ASEAN’s digital economy is forecast to be valued at 240 billion USD by2025, of which 88 billion USD will come from e-commerce.
According to statistics of the Singapore-based investment companyTemasek, the bloc’s digital economy was valued at 50 billion USD last year, ofwhich e-commerce contributed 10.9 billion USD.-VNA
A seminar in Moscow on November 10 discussed prospects for cooperation between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the role played by Vietnam in connecting the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and ASEAN.
A seminar on Russia’s integration in ASEAN was held in Moscow on April 25 on the occasion of the ongoing 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore, during which participants highlighted Vietnam’s role in ASEAN-Russia ties.
Vietnam values the ASEAN – Russia partnership and is making efforts for the substantive and effective development of the ties, stated Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung.
ASEAN and Russia decided to lift their relations to strategic partnership by adopting a joint statement on Strategic Partnership at their third Russia-ASEAN Summit in Singapore on November 14.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
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.
