UNDP urges swift action and new directions to advance Asia-Pacific's human development
08/11/2023 09:00
(CPV) - The Asia-Pacific region is lurching towards an era of unmet aspirations, worsening inequalities, and a steady erosion of democratic spaces. Rising global tensions, new technologies, growing polarization, and existential threats linked to climate change threaten to disrupt improvements in well-being the region has seen in past decades, says a new report from the United Nations Development Programme.
International tourists to Cambodia shoot up 211%
04/11/2023 11:15
Cambodia welcomed 3.92 million international tourist arrivals during the first nine months of 2023, surging 211% year on year, the country’s Ministry of Tourism said on November 3.
Vietnam hosts ASEAN-RoK Strategic Forum
02/11/2023 09:53
The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (RoK) organised the ASEAN-RoK Strategic Forum in Hanoi on November 1.
Vietnam calls for end to acts of violence, avoiding casualties for civilians in Gaza Strip
29/10/2023 10:01
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), expressed great concern at the current escalating situation in the Middle East and extended his deep condolences to the families of victims of recent attacks while addressing the UN General Assembly’s 10th Emergency Special Session held in New York on October 26-27.
Skilled labor, finance, data support are key for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise development in Samoa
28/10/2023 12:00
(CPV) - Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which played a key role in promoting recovery in Samoa during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, need policy and data support to boost their role as drivers of growth, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Sultan Ibrahim of Johor chosen to be next Malaysia’s King
28/10/2023 11:45
Malaysia's royalty on October 27 chose Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar from the southern state of Johor to be the country's next King.
ADB project to promote climate-resilient, inclusive public services in Shanxi, PRC
21/10/2023 11:15
(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $160 million equivalent loan to improve inclusive, green, and sustainable urban–rural public services in Shanxi Province, the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Laos destroys tens of tonnes of drugs
14/10/2023 11:15
Lao cities and provinces recently destroyed tens of tonnes of drugs along with various related items that law enforcement agencies had previously seized, in response to the National Anti-Drug Day in the country (October 12).
ASEAN, China to join humanitarian, disaster relief exercises
14/10/2023 09:45
The Chinese army will send troops to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to participate in the live exercises held by the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Experts' Working Group (EWG) of the (ADMM-Plus) from October 14 -21.
ADB supports energy security in Philippines through PPP advisory
12/10/2023 16:14
(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been awarded a contract as transaction advisor to help the Philippines Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) to monetize the Caliraya–Botocan–Kalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric power plant complex and enhance energy security in the country’s main island of Luzon.
$300 million ADB loan to boost Philippines’ financial inclusion goals
07/10/2023 12:15
(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $300 million policy-based loan to support the Philippine government in creating a stronger institutional and policy environment to help expand Filipinos’ access to financial services, particularly the vulnerable segment of the population, and to promote economic growth.
Belgian Chamber of Representatives passes resolution in aid of Vietnamese AO victims
07/10/2023 10:00
The Belgian Chamber of Representatives on October 5 evening (local time) passed a resolution in support of the Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims in Vietnam, with absolute approval votes.
ADB capital management reforms unlock $100 billion in new funding over next decade to support Asia and the Pacific
30/09/2023 10:07
(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved capital management reforms on September 29th 2023 that unlock $100 billion in new funding capacity over the next decade to address the region’s overlapping, simultaneous crises. The expansion of available funds will be further leveraged through mobilizing private and domestic capital to move from the billions to trillions required to tackle the climate crisis.
Cambodian PM demands support for flood victims
30/09/2023 10:01
Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet on September 29 requested leaders of provinces pay attention to supporting flood-hit people as widespread heavy rains have triggered floods in many localities on recent days.
Nearly 20% of Singapore’s population aged over 65
30/09/2023 09:58
The proportion of citizens aged 65 and above in Singapore has increased from 11.7% in 2013 to 19.1% this year, according to the country’s annual Population in Brief report released on September 29.
ASEAN-Australia high-level dialogue on climate change, energy transition takes place in Hanoi
30/09/2023 09:31
The ASEAN-Australia High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change and Energy Transition took place in Hanoi on September 29.
ADB appoints Bhargav Dasgupta as Vice-President for market solutions
23/09/2023 11:56
(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Bhargav Dasgupta as Vice-President (Market Solutions) for a period of 3 years. He will be responsible for management of the operations of ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department and Office of Markets Development and Public–Private Partnerships.
ADB Support to strengthen fiscal management, service delivery in Nepal
23/09/2023 11:46
(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $100 million policy-based concessional loan on September 22nd 2023 to strengthen the country’s fiscal management and to promote decentralization.
Higher rates remain a risk for emerging East Asia borrowers
17/09/2023 13:15
(CPV) - Governments and central banks in emerging East Asia need to stay vigilant to guard against potential financial risk associated with higher interest rates, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Thailand sets new international tourism revenue target
16/09/2023 11:15
Thailand has set a new target of earning 3 trillion THB (about 85 billion USD) from international visitors and turning the country into a sports and entertainment centre, according to Minister of Tourism and Sports Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol.
Indonesia, China discuss measures to boost trade, investment ties
09/09/2023 13:15
Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Chinese Premier Li Qiang discussed ways to boost bilateral trade and investment ties at their meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 8, following the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
Global trade finance gap expands to $2.5 trillion in 2022
09/09/2023 11:45
(CPV) - The global trade finance gap grew to a record $2.5 trillion in 2022 from $1.7 trillion two years earlier, as rising interest rates, flagging economic prospects, inflation, and geopolitical volatility reduced the capacity of banks to deliver trade financing, according to the 2023 Trade Finance Gaps, Growth and Jobs Survey released today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
ADB, Deutsche Bank sign risk Sharing Agreement to boost supply chain financing in Asia
09/09/2023 11:15
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Deutsche Bank have signed a risk participation agreement to enhance access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia and the Pacific. The agreement was signed between ADB’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP) and Deutsche Bank AG through its Singapore branch.
Countries ready for 43rd ASEAN Summit, related meetings
04/09/2023 09:19
Ambassador Vu Ho, head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam, attended the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 3 to review preparations for the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings.
Singapore to have new President
03/09/2023 10:20
Tharman Shanmugaratnam will become the ninth President of Singapore after winning 70.4% of votes in the September 1 election.
Thai King approves new cabinet led by PM Srettha Thavisin
03/09/2023 09:59
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has endorsed the cabinet of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a royal gazette said on September 2.
ADB Supports Development of Technical and Vocational Education in Bhutan
31/08/2023 09:30
(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $30 million loan to improve Bhutan’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system and enhance the skills and employability of its youth.
Indonesia calls on ASEAN to stay united against global pressure
26/08/2023 10:45
Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati on August 25 suggested ASEAN countries bolster their ties, collaboration, and engagement to ensure sustainable growth amidst the escalating global geopolitical tension.
Renewable energy manufacturing in Southeast Asia can generate $90 billion to $100 billion in sustainable revenue by 2030
25/08/2023 09:20
(CPV) - The Southeast Asian region could lose up to 30% of its gross domestic product by 2050 due to increases in global temperature and extreme weather events, but bolstering the region’s renewable energy manufacturing capacity would position Southeast Asian countries to create new jobs and meet growing energy demand while drastically reducing emissions, according to new research released on August 24th 2023 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Bloomberg Philanthropies, ClimateWorks Foundation, and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).
Cambodia, Indonesia agree on rice trade cooperation
19/08/2023 09:15
Cambodia and Indonesia reached an agreement for the latter to buy 125,000 tonnes of rice from the former at a recent meeting between Cambodian Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak and Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pahala Nugraha Mansury in Phnom Penh.