The Philippines has the least monetary policy freedom in Southeast Asia, forcing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to slash interest rates only when the US Federal Reserve starts doing so.
After the inauguration of the much-awaited Sittwe Port in Myanmar, the Indian Railways has now announced linking the neighbouring country with Mizoram. It has approved the final location survey of a 223 km rail line from Aizawl to Hbichhuah in Mizoram, near the Myanmar border. Sources said that landlocked Nepal and Bhutan could also benefit once the project is complete.
The latest investment by global semiconductor company Infineon Technologies AG in Malaysia reflects foreign investors’ confidence in Malaysia, its Madani Economy initiative and its future.
Governors and mayors of cities from member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on August 2 signed a joint declaration to develop sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities in the region.
According to Ambassador Ta Van Thong, the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia has been developing strongly, comprehensively and firmly. In 2017, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s official visit to Indonesia marked an important milestone, the first time the top leader of the Party visited Indonesia since President Ho Chi Minh’s visit in 1959.
China plays a strategic role in increasing investment in countries in ASEAN. This was revealed by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) chair Arsjad Rasjid.
General Secretary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn affirmed that since joining ASEAN in 1995, Vietnam has been making important, proactive and positive contributions.
Over 15,000 Japanese businesses have operations across the ASEAN region today, and the number will likely grow as both Japan along with the regional bloc work to enhance economic cooperation.
<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
