The landmark railway has seen Laos transform from a landlocked country to a land-linked nation, opening up new opportunities for trade and travel.

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith spoke during a live broadcast from the National Cultural Hall, while invited guests attended the launch of the railway at Vientiane Station.

At the same time, President Xi Jinping was broadcast from Beijing, while a train stood ready to depart from Xishuangbanna Railway Station, in Kunming.

The Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce have agreed to promote and strengthen business and economic cooperation.

The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding recently. Kith Meng, President of Cambodia Chamber of Commerce and AMB. Benedicto V. Yujuico, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce were the signatories.

The virtual MoU signing was held during the 3rd Meeting of the Cambodia-Philippines Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and witnessed by Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Honorable Teodoro L. Locsin Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines.

The MoU is aimed to promote and strengthen business and economic cooperation between Cambodia and the Philippines in various fields such as ICT and innovation, agriculture, manufacturing, franchising, tourism, services, and SME development, read a press release.

“Both chambers will regularly exchange information, organise trade and investment mission, hold seminar and conferences, organise exhibitions and arrange business matchings,” it added.

Both chambers agreed to establish a Philippines-Cambodia Business Council based in the Philippines and Cambodia-Philippines Business Council in Cambodia that will meet to discuss, plan, and implement joint initiatives.

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Author: Chea Vannak – AKP

Source: Khmer Times

Publication date: 8 December 2021

Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., in cooperation with Bangkok Post Public Company Limited, ASEAN Foundation, and over 60 ICT industry partners across Thailand, organised “Powering Digital Thailand 2022: Huawei Cloud & Connect” in conjunction with Asia-Pacific Innovation Day, in a hybrid format comprising onsite exhibitions and online broadcast from 17-19 November 2021, at Convention Centre, 22nd floor, Centara Grand at CentralWorld.

Carrying on the same theme from last year and featuring many keynote industry speakers, exhibitions, and a hands-on lab, the event delves into how digital technologies can unlock new potentials, markets, and business models while also supporting post-pandemic economic recovery in Thailand and the Asia Pacific region. Furthermore, it thoroughly explores practical applications of Cloud, 5G, AI, and Digital Power technologies in industries through digital transformation, especially Thailand’s agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors.

In a welcome speech by Guo Ping, Huawei Rotating Chairman, he expressed his strong belief in post-pandemic economic recovery and digital economic growth in the region, saying, “Digital technology, especially 5G, Cloud, and AI, will surely become a pillar for economic recovery and resilience in many countries. We plan to invest $100 million over the next three years to help build a startup ecosystem in the region. We believe all countries in the Asia Pacific region will succeed in their push to go digital. We will extend our roots deeper and do our part during the region’s ten golden years of digital transformation.”

General Prawit Wongsuwon, Deputy Prime Minister, opened the event, stating that, “Digital technology is crucial to Thailand’s digital economic development, post-pandemic recovery, and social well-being. The collaboration between government and industry to integrate technologies and move the country forward will enhance business potential, government efficiency, and Thailand’s sustainability.” Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, said, “Under strong policies to develop the national digital economy and technology, Thailand’s digital infrastructure and data economy have taken great strides in the past several years. We believe that Thailand’s digital economy can reach 30% of the country’s GDP by 2030, or even earlier. In this endeavour, we look forward to continue working with Huawei and deepen our collaboration to use innovation in promoting Thailand’s digital economy.”

Lin Baifeng, President of Huawei Asia Pacific, emphasised that, “As one of the most populous and diverse regions in the world, Asia Pacific is marching to the forefront of the global digital landscape. With over 20 years of partnership with and contributions to the region, Huawei is committed to supporting Thailand and the region’s digital vision in three key areas: Connectivity and Intelligence, Low-Carbon Development, and Digital Inclusion Initiatives.”

Dr. Le Quang Lan, Assistant Director, Head of ICT and Tourism Division, ASEAN Secretariat, commented on the Asia-Pacific Innovation Day activity, “The power of digital economy lies in its ability to enable companies to scale their business models throughout the region, and a common approach for digital transformation should be adopted throughout the Asia Pacific region.” Abel Deng, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., addressed digital transformation trends and Huawei’s mission in the Thai market, saying, “We are inspired to see Thailand become a leading digital force in the ASEAN region. Huawei is fully committed to supporting Thailand in becoming ASEAN’s low-carbon leader, and we are confident of achieving this goal together.”

In the event, discussions through the perspectives of various industry leaders echoes the spirit of technology transformation and empowerment, covering Thailand industry 4.0 in the post pandemic era, low-carbon business, digital economy, digital content production,  digital healthcare, financial service innovation, digital education, digital tech ecosystem, disruptive retail , autonomous and AI solutions, and carbon neutrality.

One of the most exciting innovations showcased at the event is Huawei’s introduction of its Digital Power Business to Thailand. The showcase focuses on developing clean energy to replace fossil fuels through digital and power electronics technology and driving low-carbonisation, electrification, and intelligentalisation such as Smart PV & Battery Energy Storage, Intelligent EV Charging Network, Smart Data Center Facility, and Green Site Power Facility. Currently, it is providing services to over 1000 customers and partners in Thailand.

Another highlight of the exhibition component of the event is Cloud Tractor Training, where visitors can experience a tractor training course enabled by a low-latency 5G network and cloud rendering server. This innovation can be implemented by Thai farmers to improve and optimise their cultivation of agricultural produce.

The event is also highlighting inspiring business cases and solutions related to digital transformation. This includes how to develop a green, low-carbon, and open ecosystem split across three areas. The first area is “Redefine Infrastructure” which showcases how 5G, Cloud, and AI technologies can converge across all industries to unleash new value. The second area focuses on “Industry Digital Transformation” including Smart Transportation, Smart Campus, and Smart Finance. The third area exhibits major global partners and businesses that are collaborating with Huawei to build a prosperous ecosystem for the intelligent era.

Another event highlight is the Intelligent World 2030 White Paper which cites upcoming technological trends from Huawei to look out for, including Cloud, 5G Bullet Time, Cloud and 5G VR Gaming, Smart Healthcare, Smart Finance, and Smart Education.

For IT managers, cloud engineers, data scientists, developers, and solution architects, Huawei Cloud experts organised the hands-on lab course offering technical and practical sessions as well as skills development workshops for deploying and operating cloud computing technology. The topics include cloud container engine, AI and machine learning, enterprise intelligence and data platform, and service migration.

Finally, the second Huawei Cloud Developer Competition in Thailand was showcased at the event under the theme of “Creating value for Thailand and society; for a better future for this beautiful country.”

Source: The Bangkok Post

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Non-essential travel will be allowed once 80 percent of the population has been vaccinated for COVID-19, the minister of home affairs said Wednesday.

This means residents will be allowed to leave the country for holiday travel and the sultanate will also reopen its borders to tourists.

However, residents will only be able to travel to places on a ‘green list’, comprising of countries considered low risk for COVID-19, YB Pehin Dato Dr Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong told reporters after the daily COVID presser.

Brunei is likely to hit the 80 percent target by early December, known as the ‘endemic phase’ of the government’s COVID-19 recovery plan.

The endemic phase will see the opening of air travel, but the reopening of land and the sea borders depends on the COVID situation in Brunei’s neighbouring countries, the home affairs minister added.

Brunei has severely restricted inbound and outbound travel since March last year, with essential travelers needing to apply for an entry or exit permit from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Read the full article here.

Cambodia and Vietnam are committed to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries’ central banks.

The commitment was made in a recent meeting between Chea Chanto, Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) through a videoconference.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong spoke highly the NBC’s achievements in stabilising the banking system, exchange rate and low inflation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The SBV’s governor congratulated the Cambodian central bank for the launch of an innovative e-payment platform known as Bakong system, which helps facilitate cross-institutional payment and connectivity.

From his end, Chea Chanto underlined the good collaboration under the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries’ central banks on the general cooperation, especially for the control of money laundering and terrorist financing.

The NBC governor thanked the State Bank of Vietnam for its support to Cambodia’s human resource development. Lim Nary – AKP

For full article, please click here

Author: Lim Nary AKP

Source: Khmer Times

Publication date: 28 November 2021

Cambodia is slated to export fresh and dried mangoes to the European market, Germany above all, as Berlin investigates the possibility of export.

On November 24, officials from the German embassy and the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) visited Kirirom Food Production Co Ltd (KFP) and other growers, in search of potential suppliers of fresh and dried mangoes to respond to the robust European demand for the fruit.

KFP sales manager Meas Holy told The Post on November 25 that ambassador Christian Berger and the delegation discussed providing support for the firm’s processing plant and facilitating the purchase of mangoes for export to Germany and other European countries.

Although no specific estimates for the volume of mangoes considered for import were given, the officials did say they would support and enhance cooperation between EU buyers and local firms geared towards exports, he said.

“Now they’ve come to see if we are capable of supplying them. My company doesn’t source enough fresh mangoes to export, we plan to remedy that in about two years, but on the other hand, we do have enough dried mango to ship,” Holy said, claiming that KFP products fit the bill in terms of quality.

He believes that the German and other EU markets are wide-ranging and boast strong demand for fresh and dried mangoes, and are ripe for Cambodia to expand its market presence.

For full article, please click here

Author: Nov Sivutha

Source: The Phnom Penh Post

Publication date: 28 November 2021

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – ASEAN has begun free trade talks with Canada, which could lead to an agreement that would add US$39.4 billion to the ASEAN economy. 

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and China gathered at the ASEAN-China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations yesterday.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Chinese President Xi Jinping co-chaired the summit.

ASEAN member states and China agree to advance ASEAN-China cooperation in all fields which contributes to the building of an open, inclusive and sustainable region that enjoys peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development, jointly announce the establishment of an ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that is meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial and task our officials to follow up on its implementation.

They also agree to reaffirm the importance of maintaining ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, and support for ASEAN integration and community-building, and ASEAN’s efforts to realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2025; as well as advance cooperation in the relevant areas identified in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) to develop enhanced strategic trust and win-win cooperation among countries in the region, as guided by the purposes and principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), including exploring mutually beneficial cooperation with the Belt and Road Initiative.

ASEAN member states and China agree to enhance ASEAN-China cooperation in the post-pandemic era for mutual benefits and long-term sustainable development, including through support for the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF).

In addition, they reached a decision to advance comprehensive collaboration and enhance mutual trust, deepen political and security cooperation including through ASEAN-led dialogue platforms and mechanisms to maintain peace and stability in the region; promote comprehensive and active economic relations in trade and investment as well as development, and strengthen regional supply chains; foster diversified social, cultural and people-to-people cooperation in all fields; and promote regional and international cooperation.

Date of Release: 23 November 2021

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Brunei Darussalam’s strategic location as well as efforts to create a positive and favourable ecosystem for companies makes the country a promising ‘top business and investment destination’, said Director General of the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) Latifa El Bouabdellaoui during the ICDT Doing Business Webinar yesterday.

She said the Sultanate’s share of trade with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which accounts for 19.84 per cent of its foreign trade in 2020, is a positive indicator for OIC businesses wishing to explore partnerships with the country.

The ICDT Doing Business Webinars series serves as a platform for OIC member countries to present business opportunities and the investment climate in their countries, said the director general.

It also serves to showcase the experiences and success stories of the private sector in their local markets, she said.

She said the ICDT attaches great importance in organising activities that highlights the potential of OIC member countries, to position them among the first destinations for foreign direct investment. During the webinar, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah shared a few policy frameworks which nurture strong economic fundamentals in realising Brunei Vision 2035 and the country’s economic diversification efforts.

Date of Release: 18 November 2021

Read the full article here.