Vietnam’s rice exports to the Philippines reached record highs in 2024, solidifying the country’s position as the leading rice supplier.
The EU is already ASEAN's third largest trade partner, and they have free trade agreements with two ASEAN members, and four more are under negotiations.
The ASEAN Future Forum 2025 opened in Hanoi on February 25, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, on behalf of the host country, proposed three strategic priorities and three breakthrough actions to realise the bloc’s development orientations.
Malaysia, serving as the ASEAN chair this year, has agreed to expedite Timor-Leste's membership process following a decision made at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat held in Langkawi in January.
Exports beat expectations in January, posting a seventh straight monthly rise, according to figures released on Tuesday.
For smaller nations such as the Philippines threatened by US President Trump's tariffs, their more logical recourse should be to look elsewhere for new markets for their affected export products as well as other suppliers for their vital imports.
Southeast Asian nations are increasingly interested in the BRICS association, aiming to diversify their diplomatic and economic partnerships. But this potentially challenges ASEAN's unity and centrality. While Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam see benefits in terms of economic growth, trade diversification, and access to the New Development Bank, the move could also lead to marginalisation and disadvantages for ASEAN countries not included in BRICS. Given potential complications for ASEAN trade commitments, this could shift the region's geopolitics as Western nations may perceive the alignment as move towards China and Russia.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with leaders of the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) in Ho Chi Minh City on February 22, urging the company to expand its investment in industrial rubber processing in Laos.
<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
