Malaysia anticipates a stronger intraregional trade and investment linkages in 2026 as the Philippines takes the helm as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Thailand needs more than 8 million tonnes annually for feed production, but domestic output reaches only about 5 million tonnes.
Asean will intensify efforts to deepen regional economic integration and revive intra-regional trade, which has remained stagnant at about 20% to 22% amid an increasingly volatile and uncertain global trading landscape.
ASEAN’s clean energy sector is expanding quickly with China as the dominant investor, but fragmented policies, weak labour safeguards, and fragile supply chains risk locking the region into a low-value role in the green economy.
Singapore is stepping up efforts to secure its economic future as global challenges intensify, Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong said at the Parliament on September 22.
ASEAN cannot rely solely on foreign direct investment but must develop and invest in its own technology companies to progress.
The Thai Excise Department will begin imposing a 45% tax on imported vintage cars in fiscal year 2026, a move expected to generate an additional 1-2 billion baht annually for the government.
Riau Islands Province (Kepri) has begun to increase the frequency of food exports to Singapore. Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian appreciated and encouraged this step.
<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
