Thailand is keen to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka and the Commerce Ministry will seek cabinet approval for the negotiations, a top Thai government official says.
The Philippines will be able to enjoy preferential tariffs on key exports to the United States until 2020 just in time before the two countries are expected to formally launch negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA).
The Philippines had chaired the ASEAN four times since its inception with 2017 being its latest assumption, while Singapore had chaired three times before this year
Việt Nam has voiced their support for Singapore to become chair of ASEAN in 2018 and will co-ordinate with the country, as well as other ASEAN members, to push forward priorities and initiatives for ASEAN this year, in a bid to see further progress in building the ASEAN Community, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyễn Quốc Dũng said.
2018 is crucial for Vietnam in the roadmap to implementing its international economic integration commitments. However, the country must take the initiative and fully grasp the opportunities brought about by the integration process as Vietnam is a long way into its international economic integration journey.
Singapore has picked an opportune time to promote the growth of the region's digital economy in its capacity as Asean chair.
As ASEAN chairman this year, Singapore is focusing on the digital economy. How can the digital economy become a key driver to achieve a highly integrated and dynamic ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)?
<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
