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Latest ASEAN news

ASEAN consistently contributing 3% to global GDP: Indonesia's Minister of Finance

According to Indonesia's Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, ASEAN member states consistently contribute 3% to global GDP, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that ASEAN is the fifth-largest economy in the world and has a combined population of over 650 million people. She also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing common challenges and promoting sustainable development. Sri stated that ASEAN is committed to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and is open to working with other countries and regions to achieve these goals.

Indonesia to showcase F&B industry's capability at Hannover Messe 2023

Indonesia is set to showcase its food and beverage industry's capabilities at the Hannover Messe 2023, the world's largest industrial trade fair, in Germany. The Indonesian Ministry of Industry will be working with the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in Hamburg to organize the country's participation in the event. The focus will be on promoting Indonesia's food and beverage products, such as coffee, cocoa, spices, and processed foods, to potential buyers in Europe and other parts of the world. The Indonesian government hopes that the event will help to increase exports and attract foreign investment to the country's food and beverage industry.

Indonesian finance minister holds bilateral meeting with EU-ABC

The Indonesian Finance Minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, held a bilateral meeting with the European Union (EU) to discuss cooperation in the fields of finance, investment, and trade. They also talked about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy, as well as efforts to promote sustainable development and green finance. The EU expressed its commitment to supporting Indonesia's economic growth and reform efforts, while also emphasizing the importance of promoting human rights and good governance.

Indonesia's effort to do climate action aligns with ASEAN: minister

Indonesia's efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development are in line with the ASEAN's efforts to combat climate change and environmental degradation. The Indonesian Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya Bakar, expressed Indonesia's commitment to implementing climate-friendly policies, such as increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She also emphasized the importance of cooperation between ASEAN member countries to achieve common goals, such as reducing plastic waste and protecting biodiversity. The ASEAN is a regional organization comprising 10 Southeast Asian countries.

Pupuk Indonesia aims for Indonesia to become world's ammonia hub

Pupuk Indonesia, a state-owned fertilizer company, aims to establish Indonesia as the world's ammonia hub by investing in the construction of ammonia plants in the country. The company plans to build four ammonia plants with a total production capacity of 3.8 million tons per year. The plants are expected to create more than 22,000 jobs and contribute to the country's economic growth. Pupuk Indonesia believes that Indonesia has the potential to become a leading player in the global ammonia market, as the country has abundant natural gas resources that can be used as a raw material for ammonia production.

Japanese business association observes IKN development progress

The Japanese Business Association in Indonesia (JBAI) has observed the development progress of the Indonesia-Japan industrial estate (IJIE) known as Kawasan Industri Kaltim (KIK) in North Kalimantan. The JBAI delegation visited the KIK area to assess the infrastructure, facilities, and services available for investors. The IJIE is expected to attract Japanese companies to invest in Indonesia and boost economic cooperation between the two countries. The KIK area is strategically located near natural resources and transportation routes, making it an ideal location for industrial development. The JBAI expressed its satisfaction with the progress made in developing the IJIE and reiterated its commitment to promoting Japanese investment in Indonesia.

BPOLBF, NTT govt prepare local products for ASEAN Summit

The Labuan Bajo Flores Tourism Authority (BPOLBF) and the government of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province are preparing local products to be showcased at the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia. The products, which include coffee, woven fabrics, and seaweed-based products, will be exhibited at the Indonesian pavilion during the summit. The initiative aims to promote the potential of local products and boost the economy of NTT. BPOLBF also plans to introduce its maritime security capabilities and services at the summit. The ASEAN Summit is an annual meeting of leaders from the ten ASEAN member countries.

ASEAN strengthens external resilience to face global spillovers: BI

The Governor of Bank Indonesia (BI), Perry Warjiyo, stated that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is enhancing its external resilience to cope with global spillovers. According to Warjiyo, the ASEAN countries have taken several steps to increase their economic resilience, including implementing macroprudential policies, enhancing regional financial arrangements, and strengthening the digital economy. He added that ASEAN's external resilience is expected to continue to improve, allowing the region to better withstand external shocks and sustain economic growth.

Indonesian Central Bank hopes ASEAN will utilize cross-border payments

Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Perry Warjiyo has expressed hope that ASEAN member countries will take advantage of the benefits offered by cross-border payments. Warjiyo stated that cross-border payments can improve financial inclusion, increase economic efficiency, and support regional economic growth. He added that BI is working to enhance the use of cross-border payments, including by promoting the use of local currencies in trade and investment transactions among ASEAN countries. The governor also called on other central banks in the region to collaborate in developing the necessary infrastructure and regulations to facilitate cross-border payments.

ASEAN chairmanship extends Indonesia's leadership after G20: BI

Indonesia's leadership in ASEAN has been extended following its successful hosting of the G20 Summit and meetings of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. Indonesia is the current chair of ASEAN and has been leading efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and integration. The extension of Indonesia's leadership comes as ASEAN faces several challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions in the region. Indonesia is expected to continue to prioritize ASEAN's economic recovery and resilience, as well as regional peace and stability, during its extended chairmanship.

Indonesia, Japan discuss collaboration for world expo

Indonesia's National Development Planning Ministry and Japan's Economy, Trade, and Industry Ministry have discussed a collaboration for the implementation of Expo 2025 in Osaka. The Expo will showcase various technologies that can be used to achieve carbon neutrality and utilize hydrogen energy, apply digitization, and focus on mobility, including the use of a flying car. The Expo may also become an opportunity for Indonesia to promote its halal products.
 

Thailand's business sentiment improves in February amid tourism boom

Thailand's business sentiment improved in February as rising tourist arrivals boosted confidence in the country's economic recovery, data showed on Wednesday.

The country's business sentiment index (BSI) climbed to 50.6 in February from January's reading of 49.8, rising above the 50-threshold for the first time in eight months, driven by stronger confidence in performance, total order books and employment, according to the Bank of Thailand (BOT), the central bank.

The improved sentiment came as increasing foreign tourist arrivals boosted confidence of respondents in almost all sectors of the non-manufacturing business, the BOT said in a statement.

The three-month expected BSI remained stable at 56.2, and the overall and most sub-sectors indices remained above the 50-threshold, reflecting improved confidence in most businesses going forward in the next three month, the written statement said.

The reading was based on a survey of 522 respondents from large and medium-sized firms, the central bank said.

 

Source : Xinhua