Since the turn of the century, ‘economic pragmatism’ — the alignment of foreign policy with economic development interests — has shaped Cambodia’s foreign engagement.
The 28th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-New Zealand Dialogue is set to take place virtually today.
The government has said the domestic economy could be boosted by about 2.7% as a result of the world’s largest free trade deal signed by 15 Asia-Pacific nations last year.
Thailand and the UK plan to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up a Joint Trade Committee on Commerce and Economic Cooperation, paving the way for a future free trade agreement (FTA) after Brexit.
The COVID-19 crisis has disrupted two decades of steady growth and rising living standards in Indonesia, triggering the first recession in a generation and highlighting the need to improve skills, strengthen institutions and governance of state-owned enterprises, and reduce barriers to competition.
Since tourism is a large part of its economy, Thailand was one of the first countries to feel the economic pressure of the pandemic. Precautions taken to stem the spread of the virus meant that travel had to be limited to only those that were essential, consequently putting tourism on hold.
Southeast Asia’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic can best be achieved by all sides involved working together and closely collaborating to address challenges before them, said Masatsugu Asakawa, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
ASEAN and Australia will accelerate the action plan for the 2020-24 period, focusing on economy-trade-investment, anti-terrorism, environmental protection and climate change.
<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
