Asean Morning News For March 24

Asean Morning News is the most comprehensive selection of reports on what you need to know from around the Asean Economic Community (AEC) published. All articles are hand curated by the team at AEC News Today.

Asean Morning News

Compiled by AEC News Today @aecnewstoday

Integration key to growth
THE PHILIPPINES, along with other Asean nations, is expected to at least sustain its growth rate. But how well these neighbours will fare hinges on efforts of integration amid concerns on rising protectionism.
– The Nation

Singapore still priciest for expats
SINGAPORE is still the most expensive place in the world to buy and run a car and the second-priciest destination for clothes, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.
– The Nation

China-backed bank approves 13 new members
The China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) said Thursday it has approved 13 new prospective members including Canada, in a coup for Beijing after Washington failed to dissuade US allies from signing up.
– The Nation

Duterte blasts ‘US inaction’ in South China Sea
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday accused the United States of having a provocative stance on the South China Sea and said its inaction when China started building man-made islands was the cause of tensions now besetting the region.
– Reuters

Why Asean SMEs find it hard to be part of global value chain
Asean business still struggle with lack of access and red tape that prevent them from becoming part of the global value chain, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).
— Business Mirror

Somkid urges unified CLMVT
Thailand and neighbouring countries should pursue a common regional economic and geopolitical strategy to capitalise on their potential as one of the world’s highest-growth regions, according to Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.
— The Nation

Indonesia’s Finance Minister the best in Asean
The controversial Finance Asia magazine has nominated Indonesia’s female Finance Minister as the best in the job in the Asean region.
— The Independent

Myanmar’s success is ASEAN success, says Surin Pitsuwan
Asean’s former secretary general said yesterday that Myanmar could show the way for the regional group to face challenges and find common solutions. “Myanmar’s success is ASEAN success,” he declared.
— Myanmar Times

Mayor: Bacolod City ready for challenge of Asean integration
MAYOR Evelio Leonardia said Bacolod City is ready for the challenge of the Asean Community, a major milestone in the regional economic integration agenda in the Southeast Asian Region.
— Sun Star

Llanes: Peza and Asean 2017
THE country’s hosting of this year’s Asean will prove to be a vital economic step for the Duterte administration as it focuses on getting the much needed investments to assure the delivery of services by government to its constituents.
— Sun Star

Vietnam lauds ASEAN-New Zealand strategic partnership
On behalf of ASEAN member states, Dung, who is also Chair of the ASEAN-Vietnam Senior Officials’ Meeting, spoke highly of New Zealand’s role and contributions to regional defence-security over the past years, noting that both sides need to increase collaboration to uphold the role and increase efficiency of regional security cooperation mechanisms led by ASEAN.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Militant groups hold protest vs Asean meeting
MILITANT groups in Negros Occidental held a protest action in Bacolod City on Wednesday against the staging of the two-day 15th Meeting of the Asean Senior Officials/Ministers Responsible for Information at SMX Convention Center.
— Sun Star

VN President, Party Chief and NA Chair host Singaporean PM
Measures to enhance Vietnam-Singapore economic, trade and investment partnerships were among issues mentioned at a meeting between President Tran Dai Quang and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Hanoi on March 23.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Liow: Vital to invest in environmentally sustainable transport sector
The key to aviation success hinges on the collective ability to ensure not only safety and security, but environmental sustainability of the industry, said Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
— The Star Online

PIA to launch info kiosk in La Union to promote ASEAN
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) through its La Union Information Center will open to the public an information kiosk at the CSI Mall here.
— Philippine Information Agency

Asean must recognise nature of China’s threat
Beijing’s actions have become worrisome. It doesn’t respect the rule of law, much less its commitment under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).
— The Nation

Asean looks to take-off of green finance
Green finance is widely discussed as global policy makers continue their push for more sustainable and efficient energy sources in an era of growing concerns over climate change.
— The Nation

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Cambodia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

MFIs seek regulator’s support
The apex body for the nation’s microfinance industry announced yesterday that the central bank had tentatively agreed to a number of measures it had requested to ease the burden on microfinance lenders following last week’s unilateral decision to cap annual interest rates at 18 percent as of April 1.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Central Bank Agrees to Help Microfinance Institutions, MFIs Say
The central bank has tentatively agreed to help microfinance institutions—which will be saddled with a hard cap on interest rates as part of a populist government campaign—by offering them cheap loans, lowering license fees or delaying the imposition of a reserve requirement, finance company representatives said on Thursday.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Cambodia’s “Buzzfeed” Becomes First Phnom Penh Tech Startup To Attract Silicon Valley Investment
A Cambodian entertainment news website modeled on U.S. media giant Buzzfeed is set to receive funding from a major Silicon Valley investor, the first time a local start-up has benefited from such backing.
— VOA

Thailand-Based Manufacturing Companies Eye Cambodia
As Thailand’s workforce ages and production costs in the country’s manufacturing sector rise, experts and officials see Cambodia as an attractive alternative for companies looking for a younger, cheaper workforce.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

A Life Sentence in Cambodia, but Kem Ley’s Murder Is Far From Solved
A Cambodian court sentenced a man to life in prison on Thursday for the brazen killing of a prominent government critic last year, a murder that has come to symbolize a growing crackdown on dissenting voices here.
— The New York Times

Cambodian court jails man for killing government critic
A Cambodian court on Thursday jailed a man for life for killing prominent government critic Kem Ley, in a murder case that raised suspicions of a political motive though the convicted killer testified that it was over a debt.
— Reuters

Should Cambodia Forget Forgiveness in its US Debt Controversy?
The Cambodian economy is stumbling, with a government struggling to deal with issues like escalating non-performing loans (NPLs), interest rates well above 20 percent, and a Cold War era debt which it would like to see written off.
— The Diplomat

The History of Economic Relations Between China and Cambodia
Over the past two decades, as China has grown to become a global economic power, it has positioned itself as Cambodia’s most important economic partner.
— Foreign Policy Journal

South Korea provides 222 military vehicles to Cambodia
South Korea on Thursday delivered 222 military vehicles to Cambodia, aiming at helping the Southeast Asian nation strengthen its defense capacity, officials said.
— Global Times

Opinions remain mixed on state of condo market
Despite the warning signs, one Taiwanese developer claims condo demand remains strong from some corners of the sector, even though industry consensus highlights that most are coming to terms with a sluggish sales market.
— The Phnom Penh Post

South Korea Donates Vehicles, Parts to National Armed Forces
South Korea donated 222 military and civilian vehicles, as well as mechanical equipment and spare parts, to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) at a ceremony attended by Defense Minister Tea Banh in Kompong Speu province on Thursday.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Hyatt breaks ground on Phnom Penh hotel
International hotel brand Hyatt announced yesterday that it broke ground on construction of its 250-room five-star Hyatt Regency hotel in central Phnom Penh.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Change Dirt Roads to Paved: CPP Unveils 35 New Slogans
Defender of the disabled, champion of the common man, upholder of social justice: meet the new face of the ruling party, carrying on many of its old themes.
— The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

From Math Whiz to Government Critic: Kim Sok’s History in Question
Long before he was sued by Prime Minister Hun Sen and jailed in Phnom Penh’s notorious Prey Sar prison, Kim Sok’s mother told him to keep his head down.
— VOA

Killer of Cambodian government critic gets life in jail
Cambodian court on Thursday jailed a former soldier for life for the brazen daytime shooting of a strident government critic, a killing that stunned the kingdom’s hemmed in rights community.
— Asia Times

Indonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Indonesia: Aavishkaar leads series A round in craft marketplace Qlapa
Mumbai-based Aavishkaar, through its Aavishkaar Frontier Funds (AFF), has led an undisclosed amount of series A investment into Indonesian e-commerce platform Qlapa. Existing backer Kapan Lagi Networks (KLN) also joined in the round, the startup announced today.
— Deal Street Asia

Police team up with ministries on app-based transportation dispute
After violence erupted between drivers of app-based transportation companies and conventional transportation firms during protests in several cities recently, the National Police met with ministries and regional authorities to discuss ways to prevent such conflict.
— The Jakarta Post

One-fuel price policy to be implemented in more regions
State-owned oil and gas giant Pertamina plans to increase the number of regions to be included in the government’s one-fuel price policy, which has been implemented in a number of regions across the country.
— The Jakarta Post

UNWTO lauds Indonesia`s move to use mobile positioning data
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has lauded Indonesia for making a breakthrough by using the Mobile Positioning Data (MPD) to collect data on the number of tourist arrivals.
— Antara News

Latrobe Valley paper plant sounds alarm over Indonesian dumping
Australia’s only copy paper manufacturer, one of the largest remaining employers in Gippsland’s Latrobe Valley, is concerned free trade negotiations with Indonesia could frustrate moves to impose anti-dumping tariffs.
— The Guardian

Indonesian ministry invites private sectors to develop maritime vocational schools
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has invited private sectors and universities to develop maritime studies and vocational schools to meet the demand for qualified human resources for the domestic maritime industry.
— Antara News

NBB charges Argentina, Indonesia with dumping biodiesel in US market
The National Biodiesel Board is asking the U.S. government to impose duties against Argentina and Indonesia, charging that the two countries are unfairly subsidizing their biodiesel production and then dumping the fuel on the U.S. market at below production costs.
— Agri-Pulse

Indonesians promote sharia economy in UK
The Indonesian Sharia Economic Community in the UK (MES UK) organized road shows in cities in the UK to promote Sharia economy through various channels, MES UK Secretary General Randi Swandaru informed ANTARA News here, Thursday.
— Antara News

Indonesia targets to double refinery capacity by 2025
Indonesia is targeting to more than double its national refinery crude capacity to around 2.2 MMbpd with a program of upgrades and new developments up to 2025, data presented by state energy company Pertamina on Thursday showed.
— Hydrocarbon Processing

Indonesia c.bank issues new rules on negotiable deposit certificates
Indonesia’s central bank on Thursday issued new regulations for the trading of negotiable deposit certificates (NCDs) in a bid to get more financial institutions to tap into the market.
— Nasdaq

False claims still blighting Indonesia’s functional food sector despite tighter rules
Misleading health claims are still rife in Indonesia despite tighter functional food rules, claims a new association set up to ‘professionalise the industry’.
— Food Navigator-asia.com

Indonesia steps up fight against foreign research biopiracy
Though it may sound like a conspiracy theory, the Indonesian government has taken seriously allegations that foreign researchers have used all kinds of ways — including disguising themselves as tourists — to steal the nation’s genetic resources.
— Asia Pacific Report

Government to subsidize fish exports to Australia
The government plans to subsidize the transportation of seafood exports to enable them to be directly sent from Eastern Indonesia to Darwin, Australia.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesia urged to settle dispute amid Freeport workers’ outcry
Gold and copper miner PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) employees have urged the government once again to immediately settle its dispute with the company as the number of laid-off workers has kept increasing from one day to another.
— The Jakarta Post

Drugs abuse poses real threat to Indonesia
Indonesia considers drug abuse to pose a real threat to the nation, as the country has about four million drug users.
— Antara News

AGO interrogates ex-Pertamina boss over procurement of electric cars
The Attorney Generals Office (AGO) has questioned former president director of state oil and gas company PT Pertamina Karen Agustiawan as a witness in a graft case related to the procurement of electric cars.
— Antara News

Gender Inequality in Indonesia Limits Advancement, Progress: UNDP
Gender inequality in Indonesia is the main impediment to achieving global sustainable development, according to a report released by the United Nations Development Program on Wednesday (22/03).
— Jakarta Globe

Embezzlement Case Implicating Sandiaga Uno Not Related to Gubernatorial Election: Police
Jakarta Police spokesman Chief Comr. Raden Prabowo Argo Yuwono said the embezzlement case implicating Jakarta deputy governor candidate Sandiaga Uno is not related to the second round of the gubernatorial election, slated for April 19.
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia’s Slingshot Group introduces AR/VR store network
INDONESIAN augmented reality (AR) company Slingshot Group (formerly known as AR Group) introduces a virtual store network called Mindstores targeting local women and housewives.
— Digital News Asia

Dentsu Media employee commits suicide in Indonesia
Jiro Inao, an employee of Dentsu Aegis Network in Indonesia, committed suicide on 21 March, the company has confirmed.
— Campaign Asia-Pacific

Jokowi meets wife of Bill Gates
President Joko Widodo met Co-Chair and Trustee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates, here on Thursday, who hailed Indonesia’s non-cash social aid program.
— Antara News

Ahok visits the sick, monitors health services
Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama visited sick residents in their houses on Jl. Kalibaru Barat, Cilincing, North Jakarta, on Thursday morning. He refused to talk much to the media.
— The Jakarta Post

French President Hollande to visit Indonesia on March 29
French President Francois Hollande will embark on a state visit to Indonesia on Wednesday, March 29, 2017.
— Antara News

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Lao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Lao-Thai railway section I ready for service
The Lao-Thai Railway Construction Project Phase II (Section I) is now completed, while Section II will begin operations at the end of this year. The project handover ceremony was held yesterday between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand.
— Vientiane Times

Renewable energy focus as Laos, Japan seek green growth opportunities
The country is keen to cooperate with a Japanese company to promote green growth and a wider range of renewable energy in Laos as part of efforts to decrease reliance on imports of fossil fuel and gas from abroad.
— Vientiane Times

Laos’s SMEs Try to Access ASEAN Market
The Economic Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with Khammuan provincial authorities, have organised a seminar on preparing Lao Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) access Market ASEAN SMEs.
— Lao News Agency

Laos Promotes Value-Added Manufacturing in Wood Processing Industry
Lao Wooden Products Association will establish a Training and Development Centre (TDC) for building capacity in wood processing industry to support value-added manufacturing in the country before selling and export.
— Lao News Agency

Laos, Cambodia agree to boost air links for tourism
LAOS and Cambodia on Monday signed a document agreeing on the need to increase flights between them to meet the growing demand for air transport.
— The Nation

Somkid urges Thai-CLMV master plan
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand, the new drivers for Asean and Asian economic growth, should come up with a joint master plan for connectivity and key infrastructure development to strengthen the region’s competitiveness, says Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.
— Bangkok Post

Forestry cooperation, strengthen China and Laos
On behalf of their respective governments, signed on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, Peng Youdong, Vice Chief of the National Bureau of Forestry of China, and Thongphat Vongmany, Vice Minister of Forestry of Laos in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) where the two countries agreed to strengthen their cooperation with mutual benefit in the field of forestry.
— China Radio International

China and Laos to expand cooperation on sustainable forest development
Laos and China will expand bilateral cooperation in sustainable forest industry development, Laotian daily Vientiane Times reported Thursday.
— China Radio International

Lao, Japanese experts discuss city bus transport system
Transport officials and senior experts from the Japan International Cooperation Association (JICA) discussed how to improve the efficiency of the Vientiane State Bus Enterprise Project’s Phase II yesterday.
— Vientiane Times

Forestry agreement inked as Laos, China pursue sustainable resource development
Bilateral cooperation for sustainable and forestry industry development is set to expand following the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos and State Forestry Administration of China.
— Vientiane Times

Laos to Examine the State of Renewable Energy Development
Over 70 representatives from the government and international organizations attended a workshop on “Energizing the Future: Promoting Green Growth and Renewable Energy” in Vientiane Capital on March 23.
— Lao News Agency

Around 3,300 TB-Related Deaths Reported Yearly in Laos
Around 3,300 tuberculosis (TB) related deaths have been reported each year in Laos, according to the World Health Organisation.
— Lao News Agency

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China a friend in need to Malaysia

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Alibaba Group executive chairman Jack Ma announced yesterday the establishment of an e-commerce regional distribution center, or e-hub, in Malaysia, Alibaba’s first such facility outside of China.
— Asia Times

BNM Report: Critical reforms, structural adjustments a priority
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) says critical reforms and structural adjustments remained a priority to ensure the future growth of the Malaysian economy is sustained.
— New Straits Times

Debt servicing capacity of M’sian corporations expected to remain intact
The debt servicing capacity of Malaysian corporations is expected to remain broadly intact in 2017, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
— New Straits Times

Singapore edges higher on Wall Street cues, Malaysia slips
Shares in Singapore rose on Thursday after Wall Street showed signs of steadying even though uncertainty about President Donald Trump’s economic agenda persisted. Malaysian equities ended slightly lower.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Malaysia gets Alibaba on board to promote e-commerce
Malaysia has enlisted Alibaba Group Holding in its effort to double e-commerce growth by 2020 to ensure it makes a fuller contribution to economic development.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Malaysiaian economic growth to be better this year than last
The Malaysian economy is expected to see some recovery, with growth set to pick up this year. According to Bank Negara estimates, the economy this year should grow at a range of between 4.3% and 4.8%. Last year, the economy grew 4.2%.
— The Star Online

RM8.85bil in foreign currency proceeds repatriated to Malaysia
Companies have repatriated US$2bil (RM8.85bil) in foreign currency export proceeds in three months since December last year, Bank Negara said.
— The Star Online

Malaysia to roll out insurance starter pack for low-income earners
Malaysia’s insurance and takaful industry is expected to roll out the development of an insurance starter pack, nationally, for low-income earners, and further develop alternative distribution channels to increase the insurance penetration rate in the country.
— Malay Mail Online

3,110 websites blocked by MCMC over 2016
From 2016 until January this year, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has blocked 3,110 websites for various offences, including publishing content which could jeopardise public order.
— Malay Mail Online

Disney chooses its battles in Malaysia and China
Walt Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” missed its original opening date in Malaysia due to the company’s refusal to accept cuts by state censors involving a gay character.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Philippines: 2 Malaysians rescued from Abu Sayyaf militants
Two Malaysian sailors held captive for eight months by Muslim militants were rescued Thursday in the southern Philippines, military officials said.
— ABC News

Challenging global environment necessitates emphasis on economic resilience, says BNM
The challenging global environment necessitates continued emphasis on enhancing the nation’s economic resilience and broadening the sources of growth, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
— New Straits Times

Axiata: No merger with TM
Axiata Group Bhd has denied reports of an impending merger with Telekom Malaysia Bhd. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, the company said that an online daily’s article reporting of a likely merger between the two companies was merely speculative.
— New Straits Times

MAS mulls deals for 42 jets as ‘things are going better a bit quicker’
Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS) plans to seal deals for as many as 42 wide-body jets over the next few months as the unprofitable carrier seeks to rebuild its long-haul network following a surge in demand.
— The Star Online

Alliance of top LNG buyers to put pressure on Malaysia, others
The world’s biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) buyers, all in Asia, are clubbing together to secure more flexible supply contracts in a move which shifts power to importers from producers as oversupply grows.
— The Star Online

Putrajaya to introduce Employment Insurance Scheme
The federal government has agreed to implement the proposed Employment Insurance Scheme (EIS) which will affect an estimated 6.5 million workers in the private sector, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced today.
— Malay Mail Online

Health Ministry says requesting additional RM345m to upgrade hospitals
The Health Ministry needs an additional budget of RM345.27 million to upgrade government hospitals and change electrical wirings.
— Malay Mail Online

Malaysia screen legend gets Google tribute
Google has paid tribute to late Malaysian film legend P. Ramlee in its latest animated doodle, on what would have been his 88th birthday.
— BBC

Myanmar Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Myanmar steps up anti-money laundering drive: Media
Myanmar is stepping up anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing drive as part of the work procedure of Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering, a government-owned newspaper reported on Wednesday.
— Mid-Day

Turkish Diplomats Visit Sittwe IDP Camps
The Diplomats from the Turkish Embassy in Yangon visited the Rohingya IDP (Internally Displaced People) Camps here in Sittwe Township on Tuesday (March 21).
— Rohingya Vision

Thingyan permits will be revoked if resold
Mandalay authorities warned that they will revoke Thingyan pandal permits that are resold to third parties by winning bidders.
— Myanmar Times

Diesel opens first monobrand store in Myanmar at Yangon International Airport
Lifestyle brand Diesel has opened a new monobrand store at Yangon International Airport – its first in Myanmar.
— The Moodie Davitt Report

Authorities restrict illegal import of chicken products
Traders have been advised not to store or distribute illegally imported eggs and chicken or duck products, according to the Livestock and Treatment Department.
— Eleven

Thailand detains 51 migrant workers related to drug case
Thai police detained 51 Myanmar migrant workers in connection with a drug case in Mae Sot on March 22.
— Eleven

No bus fare hike before Thingyan, say authorities
There will be no bus fare hike before the Thingyan holidays, authorities in Nay Pyi Taw said.
— Myanmar Times

2,000-tonnes of logs seized in 3 months
Government troops seized over 2,000 tonnes of smuggled logs in three months in Shan and Kachin states, according to the commander-in-chief’s office.
— Eleven

Local entrepreneurs to get support, says minister
The government will provide support for local entrepreneurs, but this will not take the form of protectionism, Minister for Planning and Finance U Kyaw Win told a meeting of the Mandalay Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday.
— Myanmar Times

Korean language test draws 30,000 workers
More than 30,000 people have applied to sit for a Korean language proficiency test, which is a requirement for those hoping to work in South Korea, said Daw Thin Thin Lwin, staff officer of the Government Overseas Employment Agency.
— Myanmar Times

Muse trade falls by $312m
Between April 1 to March 10, border trade through Muse reached US$4.6 billion, down US$312 million from the same period the year before, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
— Eleven

Judge pledges to decide fairly in mining case
A Minbu court judge maintained that he would decide on a case involving illegal coal miners objectively, just a 400
people demonstrated against the prosecutions of a mining company owner and his workers.
— Myanmar Times

Duterte: Myanmar should use the many opportunities for education and training that Philippines offer
In his address Duterte, stressed the importance of inclusive economic growth in the region. “In trade and investment, we must sustain our growth rates so that everyone, I mean everyone in our societies enjoy the blessings of prosperity.”
— Consult-Myanmar

Myanmar- Thai Border Trade Rises $200m
Myanmar’s border trade with Thailand increased by about $200 million in the current fiscal year 2016-2017 as of March 3rd, as compared with the same period of the last fiscal year, official media reported last Thursday.
— Consult-Myanmar

Minister calls for jobs for female refugees
Women fleeing armed conflict need job opportunities, minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye has told a press conference.
— Eleven

Softline and Microsoft Target Local Banks With Launch of Cloud Services
Moscow- based global IT solutions and service provider, Softline, is looking to sell its cloud security services to customers in Myanmar’s emerging financial sector, one of the company’s executives told an audience at its Yangon product launch.
— Consult-Myanmar

Myanmar attains medium human development status
In a 2016 report on Human Development of the United Nations, Myanmar’s Human Development Index has moved up to rank 145 out of 188 countries, attaining medium human development status. The report was released by the UN Development Program yesterday at U Thant Hall in UNDP’s office, with representative Miss Renata Dessallien and financial consultant Thomas Caren speaking at the press conference.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Uncut jade stones auctioned by open tender bid system
The sales of jade lots and uncut jade stones in Myanmar currency, which is slated to kick off from 19 to 24 March, continued for the fourth day at Mani Yadana Jade Hall in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Authorities failing to address complaints: report
The way the authorities are dealing with public complaints is unsatisfactory, according to the Upper House Committee for Public Complaints.
— Eleven

Talks held to boost rice exports
A seven-member delegation led by private sector specialist Jose Ricardo Silva of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other rice traders met a Burmese team led by Ye Min Aung and Nay Lin Zin, the joint MRF general secretaries, at the MRF offices.
— Eleven

Commission members called us liars, say Rohingya in Bangladesh
Members of a commission appointed by the Rakhine State Hluttaw have accused Rohingya who said they fled to Bangladesh to escape violence of being liars, a Dhaka newspaper has reported.
— Frontier Myanmar

1,000 buses ordered from China
Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA) has ordered 1,000 buses, costing US$56,000 each, from China to be used by the Yangon Bus Service (YBS), Dr Maung Aung, secretary of the YRTA said.
— Eleven

Mon Hluttaw deputy speaker responds to dismissal rumours after bridge protest
The deputy speaker of the Mon State Hluttaw has refused to deny rumours he will be dismissed from his post, after he earned the ire of the National League for Democracy over his role in the ongoing Chaungzon bridge dispute.
— Frontier Myanmar

Myanmar President Htin Kyaw takes back-seat role
State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi is increasingly wielding power in Myanmar, with President Htin Kyaw helping her behind the scenes.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Navy seizes boat with 10 Myanmar citizens in Bay
Bangladesh Navy yesterday seized a Myanmar boat with at least 10 of its citizens for illegally entering into Bangladesh through the Bay of Bengal.
— The Daily Star

Philippines Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Philippine Peso’s Troubles Just Beginning
You can spin voters and the media, but currency traders are a harder lot to fool. That’s dawning on Filipinos as markets render a damning verdict on Rodrigo Duterte’s 266 days in the presidential palace.
– Barron’s Asia

SEC suspends licenses of 84 lenders
In support of President Duterte’s crackdown on usurious lending, the Securities and Exchange Commission has suspended the primary licenses of 84 lending companies which were found conducting lending operations without authority.
– Philippine Daily Inquirer

Myths in the Philippines’ tax reform bill
The current tax reform proposal of the Duterte administration promises to improve the Philippines’ competitiveness mainly by reducing income tax rates and cutting exemptions in value-added tax (VAT) and other fiscal incentives. The proposal has somehow created three myths in taxation.
– BusinessWorld Online

Philippines’ spectacular growth set to continue, Manila says
The Philippine economy is expected to expand between 6.5 and 7 per cent in the first quarter or faster, the economic planning minister said on Thursday, putting the government on track to meet its full-year target.
– The National

Gov’t posted P2.2-B budget surplus in January
Double-digit jumps in the collections of the two biggest tax agencies alongside steady growth in government spending brought the state’s budget position to a surplus of P2.2 billion in January.
– Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippine Navy sends warship to patrol Benham Rise
The Philippine Navy sent one of its most capable warships to Benham Rise in the wake of reports that China showed interest in the territory that’s been declared a part of the country’s continental shelf.
– Rappler

Philippines plans to raise at least $596 mln from retail bond sale
The Philippines plans to sell at least 30 billion pesos ($596 million) worth of three-year retail treasury bonds to provide small investors with safe investment options, the Bureau of Treasury said on Thursday.
– Reuters

Coca-Cola Philippines to buy more local sugar: Piñol
Coca-Cola Femsa Philippines (CCFP) will buy more sugar from Filipino planters who became restive lately over issues of product patronage and marketing, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol announced on Friday, March 24.
– Manila Bulletin

Philippines: Metrobank sets $2b debt listing plan
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company has set a $2 billion debt programme on the Philippine Stock Exchange to achieve further market and funding flexibilities.
– Deal Street Asia

Lazada on mission to spur e-commerce
As Lazada celebrates its fifth year in the Philippines, the people behind Southeast Asia’s largest online marketplace are embarking on a mission: to make the country one of the “dominant players” in the global e-commerce industry.
– Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippine militants take two Filipinos captive, hours after troops rescue Malaysians
Philippine militants took two crew captive from a cargo ship on Thursday, only hours after soldiers rescued two Malaysians held for about eight months on a southern island, officials said.
— Channel NewsAsia

Duterte says China promised not to build structures on Panatag Shoal
The Philippines and China have apparently agreed to put friendship ahead of its territorial spat for now.
— Manila Bulletin

Scrapping NPA ‘tax’ no requirement for peace talks: gov’t
Government negotiators insisted Thursday President Rodrigo Duterte’s demand that communist rebels stop collecting revolutionary taxes was no precondition for the resumption of formal talks.
— ABS-CBN

Tuberculosis risk 23 times higher in Philippine detention facilities
Every day, 38 Filipinos die from tuberculosis (TB), a highly contagious but preventable disease. According to the 2016 Global Tuberculosis Report, the Philippines ranked eighth among the 30 countries with the largest number of TB cases in the world.
— ABS-CBN

New York Times takes over Philippine Daily Inquirer
THAT isn’t at all an exaggeration. It in fact happened yesterday, when the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) published as its most important article for the day—called the “banner headline”—an extremely biased New York Times (NYT) opinion piece disguised as a news story that was extremely condemnatory of President Duterte.
— The Manila Times

Forget jet skis, Chinese choppers can take Duterte to disputed islands
President Rodrigo Duterte has backtracked on his campaign promise to take a jet ski to the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea to assert the country’s sovereignty.
— Phil Star

NPAs occupy village in North Cotabato town
Communist rebels occupied an upland barangay in Antipas town in North Cotabato early Thursday and forced hundreds of villagers to leave at gunpoint, authorities claim.
— Phil Star

Ask govt to stop killings, UN rapporteur urges tourism chief
Instead of asking the media to “tone down” its reports on killings, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo must ask the government to stop the killings linked to the war on drugs, a United Nations rapporteur said.
— ABS-CBN

Groups vow ‘rising resistance’ as Duterte floats martial law anew
Human rights group Karapatan on Thursday criticized President Rodrigo Duterte for again mentioning martial law, saying doing so will not solve illegal drugs and terrorism.
— Phil Star

Rethink postponing barangay polls, Duterte told
Two senators on Thursday said that President Rodrigo Duterte should rethink postponing the barangay elections further, saying doing so would deprive voters the right to choose their leaders.
— Phil Star

Cybercriminals’ new modus operandi? Stealing data for ransom
The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public about a new type of cybercrime targeting laptop and mobile-phone users.
— ABS-CBN

Gov’t selling at least P30-B retail bonds
THE GOVERNMENT will sell at least P30 billion worth of three-year retail treasury bonds (RTBs) starting March 28, the Treasury bureau announced yesterday, explaining that this debt offer aimed partly at enticing more of the general public “to get into the habit of investing.”
— Business World

Revenue growth outpaces spending to yield Jan. surplus
THE GOVERNMENT began the year with a fiscal surplus as revenues grew faster than spending, according to data released yesterday by the Treasury bureau.
— Business World

Economic planner sees Q1 GDP growing at least 6.5-7%
The Philippines is among the world’s fastest-growing economies with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 6.8% in 2016, a three-year high.
— Business World

GFNi says unit removed from DENR list of mines up for closure
LISTED Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (GFNi) said its subsidiary has been removed from the Environment department’s list of operational metal mines up for closure.
— Business World

PHL stocks rise on bargain hunting ahead of BSP
STOCKS saw an uptick on Thursday on bargain hunting and ahead of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) decision to keep monetary policy settings steady
— Business World

PH-China agree on P24.5-B Davao expressway project
Finance secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and Chinese Vice Minister Fu Ziying, who is also China’s International Trade Representative recently forged an agreement for the conduct of preliminary feasibility studies for the proposed P24.5-billion Davao City Expressway and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project that will help decongest the city’s downtown areas.
— Manila Bulletin

Why Duterte’s big election promise was always doomed to fail
President Duterte made a presidential campaign promise to win back the disputed territory of Sabah. He already knew he would never be able to deliver.
— Asean Today

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Singapore Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Singapore to attract more global funds
IN a move aimed at attracting more global funds to set up their legal entities here, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on Thursday proposed introducing a corporate structure for investments.
— The Business Times

Singapore remains Asia’s most competitive economy: Boao Forum report
Singapore has been named Asia’s most competitive economy for the fourth year running, according to the annual Boao Forum report released on March 23.
— Connected to India

Price of formula milk in Singapore has gone up by nearly 40%
It was recently reported that a man had been arrested for suspected involvement in a series of milk powder theft cases islandwide. It was also understood that he had intentions to resell the stolen milk powder. As would seem to be the observation of that man, is milk powder such an expensive commodity that selling it on the black market would be lucrative?
— The Online Citizen

MAS to roll out national KYC utility for Singapore
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is piloting a national know-your-customer (KYC) utility for financial services, based on the MyInfo digital identity service, jointly developed by the Ministry of Finance and GovTech, the lead agency for digital and data strategy in Singapore.
— Finextra

StarHub opens Hubtricity innovation center
Singapore’s StartHub has opened a new innovation center and converged operations cockpit named Hubtricity, aimed at accelerating Singapore’s transformation into a Smart Nation.
— Telecom Asia

Singapore to roll out green bond grants
Sustainable investments have gone mainstream, and Singapore is taking steps to match the demand by growing a green bond market, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said yesterday.
— The Straits Times

Singapore edges higher on Wall Street cues, Malaysia slips
Shares in Singapore rose on Thursday after Wall Street showed signs of steadying even though uncertainty about President Donald Trump’s economic agenda persisted. Malaysian equities ended slightly lower.
— Nikkei Asian Review

AIG Seeks Best Drivers in Singapore with New Smartphone App
AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd. (AIG Singapore) has launched a nationwide search to find Singapore’s best drivers with “AIG On the Go,” a telematics-based smartphone application.
— Insurance Journal

Only 1 in 4 Singapore companies say their talent strategies are ‘change agile’
As the competition for talent continues to rise and business models are disrupted by technology and socio-demographic shifts, organisations are still taking an evolutionary approach to their talent strategies in the face of revolutionary changes.
— Singapore Business Review

Hong Kong trails rival Singapore in Asian Competitiveness report for third year running
Despite its standing as one of the most robust Asian economies, Hong Kong’s shortcomings in higher education and innovation have once again prevented it from outstripping regional rival Singapore in an annual survey of competitiveness.
— Business Vancouver

Freedom with responsibility the Singapore way, unlike West
What moral authority do Westerners have to lecture Singapore when their societies are in a shambles? (S’pore hits back at Economist: Protesters not in court over criticism; March 18)
— Today Online

Cash-strapped foreign workers in Singapore to receive 3G mobile phones
In light of telecom operators ending second-generation (2G) services on 1 April in Singapore, migrants group Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) has started distributing 3G-enabled mobile phones to less-privileged foreign workers in Singapore; according to The Nation.
— Human Resource Online

India notifies amended tax treaty with Singapore
The government today notified the amended India-Singapore tax treaty under which capital gains tax will be levied at source of investments with effect from April 1.
— The Economic Times

Singapore’s Carro lands $12M to expand its auto listings business to vehicle financing
Singapore-based auto classifieds Carro has a double whammy of news today — it has moved into the vehicle financing space and raised $12 million more from investors.
— Techcrunch

Singapore Market May Hand Back Thursday’s Gains
The Singapore stock market on Thursday snapped the three-day slide in which it had surrendered more than 50 points or 1.6 percent. The Straits Times Index now rests just above the 3,125-point plateau, although the market is expected to turn lower again on Friday.
— Nasdaq

Jobless and unpaid, foreign workers face daunting fate
At least six Bangladeshi workers may have to go home as soon as next week, if they are not able to find a new employer.
The New Paper

VML creates new centre of excellence in Singapore
WPP’s VML is creating a platforms and experiences (P&E) centre of excellence (COE) in Singapore. This center of excellence is one of the three P&E centres of excellence that VML as a network is building globally, the other two based in Kansas City and London.
— Marketing-Interactive

Singapore consumer price index edges up, but core inflation dips
Singapore logged its third straight month of positive inflation in February, owing in part to gradually recovering oil prices.
— The Straits Times

SMEs can tap A*Star Model Factories to go digital
Some 500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to benefit over the next five years from the Model Factories being developed by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), which spearheads research and development for the Government, said Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry Dr Koh Poh Koon.
— Today Online

Thailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo_journ

More delays likely for 5 double-track railway routes
IT COULD be nearly two more years before five double-track railway projects can finally be opened for bidding, partly because of the need to draft new terms of reference (TOR), which will take seven to eight months, according to sources in the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
– The Nation

Junta sets up energy committee full of military officers
To promote its controversial pro-coal policy, the junta has set up a committee to gather public feedback and promote understanding. But military officers occupy more than half of the committee’s seats.
– Prachatai

Finance Ministry plans reforms in five areas
THE FINANCE Ministry is going ahead with economic reforms in five areas, while standing ready to invest in infrastructure in the hope of making Thailand a transport hub for the CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) subregion.
– The Nation

Have Too Much Gas in Stock? This Southeast Asian Country Is Buying
Thailand has a message for embattled global LNG sellers: It’s going on a shopping spree. Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy is signing new contracts for liquefied natural gas purchases and expanding terminals to boost imports to replace flagging domestic production.
– Bloomberg

Thailand strives for ICAO green flag
Kasikorn Research Centre says the ongoing ICAO and FAA process of recertification of Thailand’s aviation industry will strengthen the country’s ambitions to regain its status as a top regional hub.
– TR Weekly

Defence Ministry is developing its own bomb-defusing robots
The Defence Ministry’s national defence technology institute has been developing its own bomb-defusing robots since last year with the hope that they will be deployed for service in the next three years.
– Thai PBS

Top Accolades for Thai Companies at the 2017 Frost & Sullivan Thailand Excellence Awards
Frost & Sullivan today presented top accolades to more than 40 companies in Thailand at its annual Excellence Awards banquet, held at the St Regis Bangkok hotel.
– PR Newswire (media release)

Thailand ‘should converge telecoms and media regulation’
Thailand is set to unify its telecoms and broadcasting licensing regime to take account of convergence between the two industries.
– Capacity Media

8,386 new homes in Bangkok in February
A total of 8,386 new residential units were launched in Bangkok last month worth Bt23.2 billion, according to a survey by the Agency for Real Estate Affairs or AREA.
– The Nation

Database to control traffic fines
Police, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) and Krungthai Bank have been rushing to jointly develop a database system to facilitate punishments for motorists who fail to comply with new traffic rules within a month.
– Bangkok Post

Pandora Officially Opens State-Of-The-Art Facility In Thailand
Jewelry giant Pandora has officially opened its new, highly modernized and green crafting facility in Lamphun near Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand as part of the firm’s long term growth-strategy.
– IDEX Online

PM confirms Thai Navy to get three Chinese submarines
It’s finally Chinese submarines for Thailand. But the government would pay for only two as the third one was “a free gift”, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha revealed at his weekly press briefing yesterday.
– The Nation

Only protests about dengue fever, illicit drugs allowed: military
The military has forced villagers in Sa Kaeo to cancel a protest against a plan to construct a factory to separate industrial and toxic wastes, saying protests about dengue fever or illicit drugs would be allowed.
– Prachatai

Government to ask 70,000 refugees to go home
Thailand will ask nearly 70,000 refugees displaced by skirmishes in Myanmar to return home, but only on a voluntary basis. Those ready to make the trip back home will be sent only gradually, 3rd Army chief Lt Gen Vijak Siribansop said Thursday.
– Relief Web

PromptPay drives up KBank e-transfers
WITH THE PromptPay money-transfer system now in active use, Kasikornbank is witnessing a 130-per-cent increase in electronic transfers in March compared with the first two months of the year.
– The Nation

PM urged to ban alcoholic drinks sale at events during Songkran’s 7 dangerous days
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has been urged to order a ban on the sale of all alcoholic drinks at events and musical concerts held during the seven “dangerous” days of the Songkran festival.
– Thai PBS

CCTV shows Lahu teen resisting: Army
CCTV recordings show a Lahu student resisting soldiers’ operations at a checkpoint where he was shot dead in an extrajudicial killing last Friday, Army officials have said.
– The Nation

Critics of Lahu activist killing could face defamation charge: Police
A police commissioner has concluded that the young Lahu activist summarily killed was a drug dealer while warning that people who criticise the authorities over the killing could face defamation charges.
– Prachatai

Large vessels banned from fishing during spawning season
Large fishing vessels will be banned from working in the southern Andaman Sea during the spawning season, from April 1 to June 30, the Fisheries Department announced yesterday.
– Phuket Gazette

Thailand-Based Manufacturing Companies Eye Cambodia
As Thailand’s workforce ages and production costs in the country’s manufacturing sector rise, experts and officials see Cambodia as an attractive alternative for companies looking for a younger, cheaper workforce. A lack of skills, however, is standing in the way of any sudden shift.
– The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Commerce to upgrade fresh markets to lure back shoppers
The Ministry of Commerce will consult with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to upgrade fresh markets in Bangkok with emphasis on cleanliness and hygienic conditions in order to lure back shoppers who have increasingly turned to modern trade such as department stores.
– Thai PBS

Australian Embassy site up for sale
As construction of the Australian Embassy’s new premฌises near Lumpini Park nears completion, that country’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has decided to sell the site of the current embassy on Sathorn Road.
– The Nation

Audi looks to make inroads in Thailand
German luxury carmaker Audi is studying the feasibility of setting up a new production facility in Asia and has Thailand in mind as a viable site.
– Bangkok Post

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Vietnam Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Vietnam Spending Billions to Attract Foreign Investors
It may be one of the smallest economies in Asia, but Vietnam is among those leading the infrastructure race. Bloomberg’s Haslinda Amin reports on “Bloomberg Markets.” (Source: Bloomberg)
— Bloomberg

Singapore, Vietnam ink slew of MOUs in banking and infrastructure
Singapore and Vietnam ramped up their business ties, signing off on a string of new collaborations in banking, power generation and infrastructure on the third day of an official visit by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
— Channel NewsAsia

Nearly 7,700 cyber attack into VN websites in Q1
The Viet Nam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT) under the Ministry of Information and Communications reported nearly 7,700 cyber attacks into Vietnamese websites over the past three months.
— VietNamNet Bridge

E-commerce in Vietnam is still attractive for even more players: Tiki’s CEO
E-commerce in Vietnam is a hard game to play, attributable to the underdeveloped fulfillment system and modern payment methods. However, market watchers feel that the industry is offers ample opportunities to players, who have the right business model and the distribution reach.
— Deal Street Asia

Vietnam not prepared for retail market expansion
Vietnam has opened its retail market widely to foreign investors under WTO commitments and FTAs. It should not try to restrict foreign retailers’ expansion, but instead support Vietnamese retailers by creating a level playing field, experts have said.
— VietNamNet Bridge

VN imposes anti-dumping duties on steel from China
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) on Tuesday issued a decree imposing temporary anti-dumping duties on H-shaped steel products imported from China.
— VietNamNet Bridge

Stocks dip on profit-taking and oil
Shares fell on the two local exchanges on Wednesday as investors increased sales to earn profits from the stock market’s recently growth.
— Viet Nam News

PM orders halt to dredging projects
Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has told the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to suspend the licensing for river dredging projects which has stoked great public concern.
— Viet Nam News

Keppel Land signs investment collaboration deal with Vietnam
Keppel Land has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vietnam’s State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) to collaborate on investment opportunities in Vietnam.
— Singapore Business Review

Pedophilia cases spark social media outcry in Vietnam
Vietnamese police took three months to respond seriously to allegations that an eight-year-old girl had been molested, but then outrage spilled onto Facebook and they made an arrest in days – a rare win for public opinion in the communist country.
— Asia Times

Human resources to drive Industry 4.0
Human resources will be a key driver in manufacturing companies becoming Industry 4.0* players, experts said at a press conference held in the capital city on Thursday.
— Viet Nam News

Starbucks, New World Saigon Hotel latest offenders in ongoing ‘sidewalk clearing’ battle
A FIVE-STAR HOTEL in downtown Ho Chi Minh City and its next-door Starbucks outlet had their concrete steps and flower and ornamental tree boxes destroyed for blocking the pavement in Wednesday’s latest ‘sidewalk reclamation’ crackdown.
— Tuoi Tre News

WB continues helping Vietnam adapt to climate change
The World Bank (WB) continues working with and supporting Vietnam in numerous fields, including climate change adaptation, visiting the bank’s Chief Executive Officer Kristalina Georgieva has assured.
— Vietnam Plus

Harvard University expands co-operation with Vietnamese universities
Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust yesterday met with leaders of HCM City University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) to extend co-operation between the two schools in the upcoming time.
— Viet Nam News

Vietnam Issues Code of Conduct for Visitors
Several incidents of poor behavior have resulted in Vietnam issuing a code of conduct for visitors, says Travel Wire Asia.
— Travel Pulse

New agency targets effective food quality controls
HCM City has established a Food Safety and Hygiene Management Board, the first of its kind in the country. Phạm Khánh Phong Lan, head of the board that will operate on a pilot basis for three years, tells Hải Quan (Customs) that the basic aim is to improve management of food quality.
— Viet Nam News

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City set to become pedestrian zone
A proposal has been submitted to transform many streets in downtown Ho Chi Minh City into footpaths, with all personal vehicles banned from entering the area.
— Tuoi Tre News

Vietnam puts Brazilian meat imports on the table
The move comes after accusations that Brazilian meat exporters are selling substandard products.
— VnExpress

ANALYSIS: In lifting people’s well-being, Vietnam passes Philippines
Vietnam has overtaken the Philippines in terms of human development, according to the latest United Nations Human Development Programme (UNDP) report on the state of people’s well-being across the globe.
— ABS-CBN News

Vietnam: Generational Gaps in Employee Satisfaction
This complete global solution for HR professionals combines custom research, strategic white papers, country primers, webinars, and the expert guidance you’ve come to expect from.
— Bloomberg BNA

Vietnam’s 100 Best Places to Work revealed
Unilever, Vinamilk, Nestle, Microsoft and IBM topped the list of Viet Nam’s 100 Best Places to Work last year in a survey released on Wednesday by executive search company Anphabe and market research firm Nielsen.
— VietNamNet Bridge

MARD suggests suspension of meat imports from Brazil
The Department of Animal Health under Việt Nam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has proposed to suspend meat imports from some Brazilian companies after an expired meat scandal surfaced.
— Viet Nam News

HCM City launches digital traffic app
Commuters can now plan their routes to avoid getting stuck in HCM City’s congestion hotspots as the city’s Transport Department has announced the launch of a digital traffic app aimed at informing commuters of traffic congestion.
— VietNamNet Bridge

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Asean Morning News is compiled by the editorial team at AEC News Today and published M-F: Governance, not government; policies not politics.