APEC Ministers gathered at a meeting in the Philippines on September 25 to seek support policies for micro-small-, small- and medium-sized enterprise to enter the global market.
Ministers from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum gathered at a meeting in the Philippines on September 25 to seek support policies for micro-small-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) to enter the global market.
The Philippines’ Minister of Industry and Trade Gregory Domingo said it is necessary to take into account the interest of small-scale businesses, especially micro ones.
Meanwhile, a senior official from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information-Technology underlined the significance of the internet in developing SME activities.
Ministers are discussing a number of initiatives from different economies to remove barriers for micro-small and small business players to promote their integration and ensure sustainable development.
Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council Doris Magsaysay-Ho said an overwhelming 97 percent of businesses are small and medium ones, contributing 20-50 percent to APEC’s gross domestic product (GDP).-VNA
Ministers and senior officials to an Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting have pledged to continue to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) overcome the economic crisis, focusing on policies and initiatives to improve their capacities to access capital sources and expand market shares.
Over 1,000 business leaders from the Asia-Pacific region and the world met at the APEC CEO Summit which was started in Bali, Indonesia, on October 6 to discuss and share experience to strengthen cooperation for the common development and prosperity.
The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) has called on APEC to set up a centre supporting small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in the region to promote economic development.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)
