APEC plays a key role in trade liberalisation and facilitation and should maintain its position by stepping up measures to implement the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, said Paulina Nazal, Director General of International Economic Affairs at Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Malaysia mobilises military forces to help flood-hit people

Malaysia’s military forces on November 5 were deployed to assist flood-hit residents in the northern state of Penang.

APEC: Asian-Pacific youth to discuss contributions to post-2020 vision

The APEC Voices of the Future (VOF) forum will take place in the central city of Da Nang and Quang Nam province from November 6-10 within the framework of the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Week.

Canada establishes relief fund to support Myanmar

Canada has set up a crisis relief fund to support the most vulnerable people in Myanmar, announced Canadian Minister of International Development and La Francophonie Marie-Claude Bibeau

Construction of Lao NA House begins in Vientiane

Construction of the Lao National Assembly House, a gift of the Vietnamese Party, State and people to the neighbouring country, began in Vientiane on November 1.

Indonesia sees 13.7 percent rise in Q3’s investment

Indonesia’s investment activities are becoming more eventful as total investment capital in the third quarter rose 13.7 percent to 176.6 trillion rupiah (over 13.3 billion USD), higher than 155.3 trillion rupiah (about 11.7 billion USD) in the same time last year.

ADB aids Philippines 100 mln USD for infrastructure development

The Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s Board of Directors has approved a loan worth 100 million USD for the Philippines to implement high-quality public infrastructure projects.

APEC 2017: International media centre launched

The International Media Centre for the 2017 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week officially opened on October 28 in Da Nang city, serving domestic and international reporters to cover the event.

Indonesia considers ASEAN focus in foreign policy: FM

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has affirmed that Indonesia attaches significance to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in its foreign policy.

Sanctions against DPRK ineffective: Philippine defence secretary

International sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) are not working, said Secretary of Defence of the Philippines Delfin Lorenzana on October 24.

APEC 2017: Russia interested in Vietnam’s APEC initiatives

Russia is interested in a number of initiatives raised by Vietnam, including the drafting of joint action programmes within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) framework in order to strengthen economic, financial and socially inclusive development, stated a Russian official.

Vietnam-Cambodia friendship association opens third congress

The Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association - former specialists of the Ministry of National Defense opens the third congress for the tenure of 2017-2022 on October 21 inHanoi.

Myanmar parliament discusses financial policy

The Myanmar parliament resumed its sixth session on October 17, focusing on financial issues and policy. 

Vietnam diplomat introduces APEC 2017 at Asian Architecture Conference

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh introduced the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2017 hosted by Vietnam at the fifth annual Asian Architecture Conference recently held in the US.

Work on Thailand-China railway to start in November

Construction of the first section of the Thailand-China high-speed railway will begin in November although there is still a problem with an environmental impact assessment study, Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith confirmed on October 16.

Philippines declares early liberation of Marawi city

The government armed forces will liberate the southern Marawi city in a few days, announced General Eduardo Ano, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in a televised press conference on October 16.

UNESCO selects France''''s Azoulay as new chief

The United Nations’ cultural agency selected former French culture minister Audrey Azoulay as its new chief on Friday, handing her the keys to revive UNESCO’s fortunes after the United States pulled out.

Thailand sets to welcome 33 to 34 million tourists in 2017

Thailand expects to welcome 33 to 34 million visitors this year, which is lower than its earlier forecast of 35 million, Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said on October 12.

Vietnam’s candidacy for UNESCO chief shows sense of responsibility

Vietnam’s candidacy for the post of UNESCO Director-General demonstrates the country’s sense of responsibility to the international community, even though its candidate did not receive many votes in the first round of voting in Paris on October 9.

Two Australian navy ships visit Philippines

Two Australian navy vessels - a landing helicopter dock and a guided missile frigate arrived in Manila, the Philippines, on October 10.

Japanese firms explore business prospects in south central region

The "Meeting Japan – South Central Region” conference took place in Nha Trang city, the central province of Khanh Hoa on October 6 to discuss bilateral cooperative prospects in the near future.

Experts: APEC economies have policies to ensure jobs for the disabled

Increasing the access of people with disabilities to inclusive employment opportunities is a key component to advancing inclusive economic growth across all of APEC 21 member economies, experts have said.

Vietnam prioritises education to reduce social inequality

Ambassador Pham Thi Kim Anh, deputy permanent representative of the Vietnam mission to the United Nations (UN), highlighted the role played by education in reducing social inequality while speaking at the 72nd session of the UN Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Affairs Committee in New York on October 3.

Ho Chi Minh City leader seeks stronger economic ties with Cuba

Le Thanh Liem, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, told visiting Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz that the Southern largest economic hub is ready to share its experience in economic management and development with Cuba, contributing to the development of friendship relations between Vietnam and Cuba.

Vietnam, Cuba hold Inter-Governmental Committee’s 35th meeting

The Vietnam-Cuba Inter-Governmental Committee convened its 35th meeting in Hanoi on October 2, under the chair of Vietnamese Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha and Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz.