Asean Morning News Roundup February 23

The Asean Morning News Roundup presents a selection of reports on what you need to know from around the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Asean Morning News

Compiled by AEC News Today @aecnewstoday

ASEAN to address malnutrition and all its forms
“We need to bring all sectors and stakeholders together and harness our comparative advantages in order to address malnutrition in the ASEAN region and other parts of the world,” said Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee during a courtesy visit by the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Scaling-Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Coordinator Ms. Gerda Verburg to the ASEAN Secretariat.
— Asean Secretariat News

Emirates expands flights in ASEAN
Emirates will begin daily services to Phnom Penh, 1 July, by extending its Yangon service to the Cambodian capital.
— TTR Weekly

Asean plans drug policy
The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control is drafting a new drug control policy to deal with changing challenges, according to Police Chief Zaw Win at an Asean-wide at Kempinski Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw.
— Eleven

Indonesia urges ASEAN countries to improve maritime security
Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEANs) members to improve security in the regions waters during the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) Retreat in Boracay, the Philippines, on Feb 20-21.
— Antara News

Cambodia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

EPIC finalists accelerate business plans
Epic Cambodia, the one-year incubator program launched by co-working space Impact Hub Phnom Penh, has entered its startup acceleration phase, with five finalist teams receiving business mentoring and $20,000 in funding as they prepare a final pitch to potential investors and grant-givers at the end of the yearlong program.
— The Phnom Penh Post

Prasac ordered to replace logo
Less than a week since the government demanded that Acleda Bank change its logo to differentiate itself from state-run institutions, Prasac Microfinance has been ordered to do the same.
— The Phnom Penh Post

US Firms See Investment as a ‘Mixed Bag’
U.S. companies considering investing in Cambodia see a “mixed bag” in the country, contrasting heavy spending on infrastructure and a growing focus on IT with slow integration with Asean and high energy prices, a representative for a visiting business delegation said on Wednesday.
— The Cambodia Daily (Paywall)

French and Vietnamese Banks to Open In Cambodia
Two more foreign banks—one French and one Vietnamese—announced plans earlier this week to open branches in Cambodia.
— The Cambodia Daily (Paywall)

Mobile Firms Told to Spread Message: MFIs Not State-Run
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday pulled the country’s mobile operators into his aggressive campaign to clear up any confusion about the relationship between the government and microfinance institutions (MFIs), ordering them to send audio and text messages telling subscribers that MFIs were private entities.
— The Cambodia Daily (Paywall)

Government Accuses US Of Election Interference
Cambodia’s government on Wednesday said it was an “obvious fact” that the U.S. was interfering in the country’s coming elections in a scathing response to a statement from the U.S. Embassy saying it was “deeply concerned” by proposed amendments to the Law on Political Parties.
— The Cambodia Daily (Paywall)

Tax exemption offered to SMEs
A two-year income tax exemption is being offered to small and medium-sized enterprises that register with the Ministry of Economy and Finance before the end of 2018.
— Khmer Times

Push to standardize leasing sector regulations
The Commerce Ministry is pushing for leasing sector regulations to be internationally standardized to boost business activities both domestically and internationally and further diversify businesses in the country.
— Khmer Times

Emirates to offer services to Phnom Penh in Cambodia
Phnom Penh in Cambodia will be the latest destination Emirates will serve from July 1 this year, with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a two class configuration.
— Latest Africa News

One Month on, Cambodia Has Mixed View on Trump Presidency
A month on since President Donald Trump took office he has shown a markedly different approach to his predecessor, Barack Obama, when it comes to foreign policy dealings.
— VOA

Indonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Tribunal: Honda & Yamaha Form Price-Fixing Cartel in Indonesia
Indonesia’s Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU), the country’s anti-monopoly agency, penalized Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM) and Astra Honda Motor (AHM) for forming a cartel with the purpose of conducting price-fixing and curtailing the distribution of Yamaha and Honda motorcycle sales in Indonesia, specifically those motorcycles with an engine capacity of 110-125 cubic centimeters.
— Indonesia Investments

Indonesia’s Big Banks Told to Submit Plans for Coping With a Crisis
Indonesia’s biggest banks must write up plans for recovering from potential insolvency, a measure to ensure that authorities do not have to bail them out, the chairman of the banking regulator said on Wednesday (22/02).
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia allows Freeport to carry out exports for one year
The Indonesian government has given PT Freeport a chance to carry out concentrate exports for one year, although it is still negotiating the continuation of the US-based companys license to operate in Indonesia.
— Antara News

National Police Form New Unit to Tackle ‘Fake News’ on Social Media
The National Police have formed a new unit to tackle so-called fake news on social media.
— Jakarta Globe

Muhammadiyah Proposes Ban on Socmed ‘Buzzers’
Muhammadiyah, Indonesia’s second-biggest Islamic organization, has thrown its support behind a proposal to ban social media “buzzers” — online personalities who post content for pay — since they often become source of hoaxes and fake news.
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesian minister opens 5th IBRAF conference
Indonesian Minister of Communication and Informatics Rudiantara inaugurated the International Conference “Media for World Harmony” and the 5th Annual Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (IBRAF) here on Wednesday.
— Antara News

International Conference Highlights Importance of Big Data Analysis in Policymaking
The International Conference on Data Revolution for Policy Makers kicked off in Jakarta on Tuesday (21/02), with more than three hundred participants in discussions on the opportunities and challenges in utilizing big data for policymaking.
— Jakarta Globe

S. Sumatra education office anticipates circulation of drugs in schools
The Culture and Education Office of South Sumatra Province continues to anticipate the circulation of drugs in schools.
— Antara News

Bolt! Ready for 300 Mbps Speed
Mobile broadband provider Bolt! is going to offer a package that allows customers to enjoy up to 300 megabits per second, after the company upgraded its networks into the 4G LTE Advanced system to deliver speedier wireless data payloads.
— Jakarta Globe

19 illegal Chinese workers deported from Riau
The immigration authorities in Riau province will deport 19 illegal Chinese workers employed in the construction of a thermal power plant in the provincial capital of Pekanbaru.
— Antara News

Automotive Sector: Bright Future for Car Sales in Indonesia?
Passenger car sales in Indonesia are estimated to rise 11.5 percent per year in the 2017-2021 period supported by Indonesia’s expanding middle class. This conclusion originates from research that was conducted by London-based BMI Research. Meanwhile, business consulting firm Frost and Sullivan sees Indonesian car sales rise 5 percent (y/y) to 1.11 million vehicles in 2017 supported by the popular low cost green cars and multipurpose vehicles.
— Indonesia Investments

Wika to inject Rp 1.13t for new subsidiary
State-owned construction firm PT Wijaya Karya (Wika) will gradually inject Rp 1.13 trillion (US$84.4 million) worth of capital to establish a new toll road operator subsidiary as it aims to tap into the lucrative business.
— Jakarta Post

Sri Baduga Fountain Park promotes ‘diversity’
ri Baduga Fountain Park in Purwakarta officiated the third phase of its development on Feb. 18. The park’s eastern parts, located at Jl. KK Singawinata, come equipped with new software that shows off an “Aqua Screen” and a water tunnel at its western gate.
— Jakarta Post

Tjahjo Kumolo remains firm on decision not to suspend Ahok
Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo stood firm on his decision to continue to allow Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama to keep hold of his post despite criticism saying that the governor should have been suspended due to his status as a defendant.
— Jakarta Post

Indonesia should be committed to gender mainstreaming: Minister Yembise
Women Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Yembise has emphasized the need for every ministry, institution, and local government to be committed to gender mainstreaming.
— Antara News

President Jokowi apprehensive about 2017 inflation exceeding last year`s figure
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has expressed apprehension about the inflation rate in 2017 surpassing last years 3.02 percent unless the country exercises caution.
— Antara News

Lao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Jose Rodriguez Senas @15Souter

Laos Dismisses Concerns Over Hydropower Project
High-ranking Laos officials said on Wednesday that the proposed Pak Beng hydropower dam will not have a major impact on downstream communities, claiming that they would take time to study its potential impacts.
— VOA

Laos: Paradise lost to Unesco
It is described as the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia, a bygone seat of kings tucked into a remote river valley of Laos.
— NZ Herald

Japanese Companies Show Interest in Service Sector in Laos
Representatives of Japanese companies who are on a visit to Laos have shown interest in investing in the service sector in Laos, the Executive Vice President Tatsuhiro Shindo of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) has said.
— Lao News Agency

PM stresses land as focus for transport development
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has stressed for land to be the main focus of transportation development in the country, calling for careful decisions on every water and air transportation project.
— Vientiane Times

Several Challenges Identified by ODOP Producers
(KPL) One District One Product (ODOP) entrepreneurs are facing several challenges as most of them lack the knowledge, skills, and experience with modern technologies to ensure effective production.
— Lao News Agency

Champassak, HCM City boost cooperation
HCM City, KPL/VNAGovernor and Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Bounthong Divixay met Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Dinh La Thang in Vietnam on Feb 21.
— Lao News Agency

New agriculture centre to improve crop production
An agricultural service centre, which began construction in Huaphan province on Saturday, aimed to enhance the quantity and the quality of crops and animals produced in the province for export to Vietnam.
— Vientiane Times

Malaysia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin @vin_vat

Submission of income tax via e-filing from March 1
Taxpayers can submit their income tax return form (ITRF) for the year of assessment 2016 via e-Filing starting from March 1, says the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM).
— The Star Online

Renewed Consolidation Tipped For Malaysia Shares
The Malaysia stock market bounced higher again on Wednesday, one session after it had snapped the two-day winning streak in which it had collected almost 5 points or 0.3 percent.
— Business Insider

Exclusive: Malaysia’s 123RF defers listing to year-end; eyes over $168m valuation
Chicago-headquartered stock image and design business 123RF may delay its initial public offer (IPO) to the end of this year as it is still in talks with several brokers, and has yet to lock on to an exchange where it wants to list itself, an industry executive with direct knowledge of the development said.
— Deal Street Asia

Malaysia’s Petronas, Saudi Aramco to sign deal on RAPID refinery project
Malaysia’s state oil firm Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Saudi Aramco are expected to sign an agreement to collaborate in Malaysia’s Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) project, two industry sources said on Wednesday.
— Deal Street Asia

Ringgit higher versus greenback
The ringgit was higher at today’s opening on positive market sentiment that provided it the support, a dealer said.
— New Straits Times

Petronas cost-cutting measures producing results
PETROLIAM Nasional Bhd’s (Petronas) response to falling oil prices over the last few years has produced the desired results, said president and group chief executive officer Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin.
— New Straits Times

Exclusive: Malaysia’s Blinkware to raise $2m from VCs to fund R&D
Malaysia’s Blinkware Technology, a motion and gesture platforms provider is raising $2 million from venture capital funds to give a push to its R&D efforts to roll out the Software Development Kit (SDK) for client applications.
— Deal Street Asia

Telekom, Genting Plantation, CBIP, Old Town earnings above forecast
Telekom Malaysia, Genting Plantation, CBIP, Lafarge, Old Town, Genting’s Singapore unit reported earnings which were above Kenanga Investment Bank’s expectations.
— The Star Online

Oldtown’s FMCG to be the main driver
Oldtown Bhd’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) is expected to continue to be the main driver of growth, riding on the expansion of export sales into Greater China, according to Maybank Investment Bank Research.
— The Star Online

Malaysian palm oilprice recovers from 3-1/2-mth low on bargain buying
Malaysian palm oil futures rose on Wednesday to bounce of a more than three-month low in the afternoon session as bargain hunters shrugged off market expectations of higher supplies and weak demand.
— The Star Online

Myanmar Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu @Estee

Foreign trade volume at US$23.5billion
Foreign trade volume is over US$23.5billion, US$61million more compared to the same period of last year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Up to February 10, Myanmar received more than US$23.5billion from foreign trade, of which US$17.3billion came from overseas trade and more than US$6.1billion from border trade.
— Eleven

Border Guard Police Resumes Money Extortions from Rohingya
As the large-scale attacks by the Myanmar military on the Rohingya people in Maungdaw have decreased, the money extortions from the Rohingyas by its Border Guard Police (BGP) has resumed, according to the reliable sources.
— Rohingya Vision

Toll charges could be axed: ministry source
Toll collection is expected to stop in the next fiscal year, according to a Ministry of Construction’s source.
— Eleven

Ministry warns its citizens not to make CI through illegal agents
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population has warned Myanmar citizens in Thailand not to acquire certificate of identity (CI) cards through illegal agents.
— Eleven

House speaker warns lawmakers must respect parliamentary laws and rules
Lower House speaker Win Myint has warned lawmakers that they must follow and respect parliamentary laws and any other existing laws.
— Eleven

Police detain culprit who baked yaba stash into cake
People sure are getting creative with their drug transportation methods.
— Coconuts Yangon

Chinese banana plantation in Myanmar and locals worried over their extension
The lands in Kachin State and eastern side of Ayeyawady River have been transformed in the recent years. Before these lands were rice fields but now they are occupied by Chinese farmers cultivating banana plantations.
— Eleven

Mrauk-U hoteliers want directive scrapped
Hoteliers in Mrauk U – an archaeologically important town in northern Rakhine State – want a government directive, prohibiting hotels from accepting tourists without official permission, scrapped.
— Myanmar Times

Reserved fire fighters to support government fire brigade
MoreE than 17,000 members of a reserved fire brigade under Myanmar’s Ministry of Home Affairs Fire Services Department have been deployed to put out fires at factories and markets, said Deputy Minister Maj-Gen Aung Soe on February 21.
— Myanmar Times

Myanmar to issue pink card holders passports, identity cards
Myanmar will issue passports and certificate of identity (CI) cards to all its citizens who hold the pink card issued by the Thai government, according to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population.
— Myanmar Times

Car dealers urge customer caution
Car dealers urge customers to be cautious of some sellers hiking the prices of existing stock. The automobile prices have been pushed up by approximately K2 million since the new tax law was passed in January.
— Myanmar Times

IDP students cut off from higher education
The government needs to create a pathway for young people living in IDP camps on the Thai border to study at universities in Myanmar, civil society groups say.
— Frontier Myanmar

Philippines Morning News

Compiled by Jose Rodriguez Senas @15Souter

Philippine minister doubtful of China row resolution ‘during our lifetime’
The foreign minister of the Philippines expressed doubt on Wednesday that a maritime sovereignty dispute with China could be resolved “during our lifetime”, so it was better to set it aside, engage Beijing and avoid an armed confrontation.
— Reuters

Higher end of GDP target doable — FMIC-UA&P
THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY should be able to grow at least seven percent this quarter and for the entire year, riding on a sustained investment boom, as well as positive farm output and goods exports, analysts of First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) and the University of Asia & the Pacific (UA&P) said in their latest joint report.
— BusinessWorld

US business leaders downplay PH concerns, cite US-ASEAN FTA talks
American business leaders have assured the Philippines of continued long-term relationship in an apparent attempt to calm down concerns from both sides as they even welcomed the possibility of a bilateral free trade agreement between the ASEAN and US.
— Manila Bulletin

How Will the Philippines’ Military Join Duterte’s Drug War?
On January 29, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his police chief Ronald dela Rosa announced the temporary suspension of the police’s role in the ongoing war on drugs following the high-profile kidnapping and killing of a South Korean businessman.
— The Diplomat (paywall)

PNP task force has received complaints even against star-rank officers
The Philippine National Police’s task force against bad cops has been receiving complaints against policemen as high as star-rank officers allegedly involved in illegal drugs, illegal gambling, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

Higher inflation to prompt hike in BSP rates — S&P
S&P Global Ratings expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to raise interest rates this year amid the upward pressure on inflation due to the strong economic growth.
— Philippine Star

Japan, China firms eager to enter Phl
Japanese and Chinese companies are looking at investing and partnering with Philippine firms amid the bright prospects brought about by the sustained growth in the economy.
— Philippine Star

Ayala group sets P185B capex
The Ayala group has set a larger capital expenditure budget of P185 billion this year primarily to expand its real estate, telecommunications and water units as well as ramp up its emerging businesses in power, industrial technologies, healthcare and education.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippines to deport convicted U.S. pedophile wanted for crimes
A convicted American pedophile– wanted by U.S. authorities– was arrested Sunday in the Philippines after allegedly committing a string of crimes, the country’s bureau of immigration said
— Fox News World

Philippines, Israel to expand exchange program on agri sector
THE Philippines will be sending over 500 college students annually to Israel in order to learn from Tel Aviv’s expertise and advanced technologies in agriculture, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Wednesday.
— Sunstar Manila

Singapore Morning News

Compiled by Leakhena Khat @leakhenakhat

Singapore Factory Output Contracts
Singapore’s industrial production in January is expected to have shrunk after a run of strong monthly rises, a Reuters poll showed, though analysts see the electronics sector extending its recent bounce.
— Financial Tribune

Singapore readies new leveraged and inverse ETFs to catch rivals
Preparations are underway in Singapore for the first new listing of leveraged and inverse exchange-traded funds in almost eight years.
— The Straits Times

Singapore a ‘great location’ for LNG trading
Singapore is an “obvious location” in Asia to trade financial products related to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, according to a top executive at energy giant Shell.
— The Straits Times

Two new tech headquarters open in Singapore
TWO new tech headquarters were inaugurated here on Wednesday, in a move said to significantly bolster Singapore’s name as a launchpad for global innovation.
— The Business Times

Strategies for Singapore’s economic future
In Singapore, the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE) Report has been released. It recommends strategies to respond to external challenges such as subdued global growth, rapid technological change, political uncertainty and rising anti-globalisation. Despite these disruptive developments, the CFE argues Singapore can capitalise on its strengths and seize opportunities in Asia.
— East Asia Forum

The strange route Benjamin Netanyahu took to get from Singapore to Sydney
For many people flying from Singapore to Sydney, the flight can take as little as seven hours or so. But not if you are Benjamin Netanyahu. In the Israeli prime minister’s case, it can take more than 11 hours.
— The Washington Post

Singapore Reveals New IP Regime in 2017 Budget
Singapore has announced a new intellectual property regime to encourage companies based in the country to exploit the income derived from their research and development activities.
— Bloomberg

Singapore property demand remains ‘very resilient’
Singapore’s property demand remains “very resilient,” supported by factors including low interest rates and a stable economy, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said.
— The Star Online

SIA among 5 airlines told to compensate passengers for delays
Singapore Airlines (SIA) is among five international airlines that fly into Europe that have been told to pay passengers for delays they may have experienced.
— Channel NewsAsia

Singapore grads enjoy higher pay amidst slowing economy
A survey by Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Management University (SMU) revealed that students who graduated from Singapore universities last year are earning a higher starting salary but found it hard to secure a full-time permanent job.
— Singapore Business Review

Thailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo-journ

Shippers’ woe goes on with January slump
Auto-related businesses are increasingly worried about the prospects for car exports after a 19-month slump.
— Bangkok Post

Half a million new credit card machines to be installed
Credit card spending in Thailand is expected to grow by 5-15% after 550,000 electronic data capture (EDC) terminals are installed under the national e-payment system.
— Bangkok Post

PayAll app faces Bank of Thailand complaint
Police on Wednesday summoned actor Rattapoom “Film” Tokongsup for questioning after the Bank of Thailand complained his PayAll Group Co Ltd illegally provided mobile-based e-money services.
– Bangkok Post

2016 ANOTHER YEAR OF RESTRICTED RIGHTS IN THAILAND: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Wide-ranging human rights restrictions continued in Thailand under the military regime in 2016, Amnesty International noted in its annual report released Wednesday morning.
— Khaosod English

New information bill will fail to support Thailand 4.0: Meechai
THE NEW public information draft bill, which was amended from the previous version promulgated in 2007, would still not support the new social and economic Thailand 4.0 model, chief charter drafter Meechai Ruchupan told a forum yesterday.
– The Nation

Vietnam, Thailand enhance defence partnership
Minister Lich told the Thai PM that the Vietnamese defence ministry will continue working closely with the Thai counterpart, contributing to the two countries’ strategic partnership established in June 2013.
— VietnamNet

Japan and Thailand edge towards defence trade agreement
Thailand and Japan are edging closer to finalising a defence trade and technology agreement that could facilitate Japanese defence exports to the Southeast Asian country.
— IHS Jane’s 360

Organic exports to hit B5bn
Thailand aims to raise organic food exports to 5 billion baht in next few years from 4 billion now.
— Bangkok Post

CNN names Isaan as one of best places worldwide to visit this year
THAILAND’S northeastern region of Isaan was recently named by CNN as one of the top 17 places in the world to visit this year.
– The Nation

How much it costs to go to Thailand
Many people know that Thailand is one of the cheapest countries in the world to visit, but they still want to know: how much does it cost to go to Thailand for 3 weeks?
— MoneySense

Why Thailand Still Lives Up To The Hype For Young Budget Travelers
If Southeast Asia is on your bucket list, Thailand is (still, after all these years) your perfect place to start.
— Uproxx

Canadian attacked with machete in Thailand
Police in Thailand have arrested two men accused of slashing a Canadian man with a machete while trying to steal a gold necklace from his female companion last week.
— CBC

Vietnam Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre @photo-journ

Vietnam to punish officials over mass fish deaths
Vietnam said on Wednesday (Feb 22) it will punish 11 senior officials for misconduct over a toxic waste dump last year that killed tonnes of fish in one of the country’s worst environmental disasters.
— Channel NewsAsia

Vietnam shipping execs sentenced to death for embezzlement
Vietnam on Wednesday (Feb 22) sentenced two executives from its scandal-hit shipping industry to death for embezzlement, official media reported, the latest punishment meted out for the spectacular collapse of a state-run firm that triggered pledges to restructure the economy.
— Channel NewsAsia

PM urges lifting Vietnam-New Zealand ties to strategic partnership
The PM suggested increasing high-level delegation exchanges, adding that he hopes to welcome the New Zealand Prime Minister at the APEC Economic Leaders’ meeting 2017 in Vietnam.
— VietnamNet

Ho Chi Minh City to better Singapore in medical services: health chief
Ho Chi Minh City has the potential to outdo Singapore in terms of medical services by as early as 2020 if medical facilities are adequately invested in, the municipal health director said Tuesday.
— Tuoi Tre News

Vietnam names 11 officials over Formosa environmental disaster
Vietnam on Wednesday named for the first time 11 government, provincial and industry officials as being responsible for one of its worst environmental disasters, caused by a unit of Taiwan conglomerate Formosa Plastics.
— Bangkok Post

Russia to do everything possible to bolster ties with Vietnam
At the meeting with the Vietnamese Party leader in Hanoi on February 22, Matvienko also reiterated that Russia treasures the time-honoured friendship and the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, stressing that Russia will exert all efforts to realise cooperation agreements in all spheres between the two nations, thereby creating substantive progress in bilateral ties.
— Vietnam Net

Northwestern region sees JICA healthcare benefits
Provinces in the northwestern region of the country are seeing positive results from the second phase of a healthcare service project funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched in 2013.
— Vietnam News

Việt Nam strives to up internet oversight
To celebrate Safe Internet Day, authorities held a symposium on digital citizenship toward a safer Internet in Ha Noi on February 22.
— Vietnam News bizhub

Vietcombank to open subsidiaries in Laos, Cambodia
The Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam, one of the country’s four largest State-owned commercial banks, plans to open subsidiaries in Laos and Cambodia this year, a bank official has said.
— Vietnam News bizhub

India in talks to buy part of VN tungsten mine
India’s state-owned mining enterprise, National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), is in talks with Masan Resources to buy a partial stake in the Nui Phao tungsten mine, according to Indian media.
— Vietnam Plus

Over 590 Vietnamese firms win product high-quality recognition
The Business Association of High-Quality Vietnamese Goods has released a list of more than 590 firms having products recognised as high quality this year.
— Vietnam Plus

Hanoi to launch second BRT bus
The Hanoi Department of Transport has proposed launching a second Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route connecting Lang – Hoa Lac hi-tech zone and Kim Ma street, Ba Dinh district, Deputy Director of the Department Ngo Manh Tuan said on February 21.
— Vietnam Plus

Ha Noi, Vietnam Airlines ink cooperation agreement
Ha Noi People’s Committee and the national carrier Vietnam Airlines (VNA) on Wednesday signed a five-year cooperation agreement to boost tourism and develop the social economy of the capital city.
— Vietnam News bizhub

The Asean Morning News Roundup is compiled by the editorial team at AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.