Asean must start taking itself more seriously and move beyond being a production hub for others if it is to thrive in a world marked by rising protectionism and shifting global power, said observers at the Asia Future Summit on Oct 9.
As of the end of September 2025, the Philippines had imported 3.5 million tonnes of rice, far exceeding the “reasonable” level of 2.7 million tonnes expected for this period of the year.
Deputy secretary-general (trade) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa says Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship has seen major progress in AITIGA review talks.
The expansion of Cambodian fishery exports to these markets, particularly those with stringent import standards, is a direct result of comprehensive reforms in the fisheries sector.
Indonesia's finance minister said on Thursday (Oct 9th) he expected economic growth to rise to 6% thanks to a recent liquidity injection of 200 trillion rupiah ($12.09 billion), most of which had already been disbursed as loans by banks.
The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) said that anti-dumping measures must be rolled out as exporters thwarted by US tariffs seek to sell their goods in the Philippines.
Thailand's economy is heading for a dramatic slowdown, with GDP growth projected to plummet from 2.8% in Q2 to just 0.3% by year-end, experts warned at Krungthep Turakij's "Thailand Economic Outlook 2026: Out of the Trap" seminar on Thursday (Oct 9th).
Cambodia’s economy remains strong despite global headwinds, with steady growth expected over the coming years, underpinned by sound government policies, export diversification and a firm commitment to reform.
<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
