Pakistan’s trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reached $11.5 billion in 2024, but officials warn the figure remains below potential, with the trade deficit widening further in 2025 in favour of ASEAN economies.
The Philippine economy is projected to remain below official growth targets through 2026 and may only return to its intended trajectory in 2027, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said, citing weather disruptions, softer demand for services and slower government spending amid an ongoing graft probe.
The Philippine government has secured 22.6 million euros, or about P1.5 billion, in funding from the European Union (EU). This is intended to support the country’s transition to advanced technologies.
Private sector warns of inflated export figures due to circumvention fraud; fears strict US enforcement of "rules of origin" could cause a catastrophic decline.
New BOI mechanism will expedite 80 major projects, targeting data centres and clean energy; $143m allocated for national upskilling.
The question now is whether the government, the private sector, and farmers themselves can turn this opportunity into sustained, transformative progress.
Thailand asks China to reinstate dried seahorses on its approved animal-based medicinal ingredients list, aiming to revive high-value exports.
The Ministry of Environment has already partnered international bodies to develop a national roadmap aimed at reducing plastic pollution, mitigating its economic and social impacts, and accelerating the shift toward a circular plastics economy.
<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
