The ASEAN Finance and Health Ministerial Meeting (AFHMM) took place in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 24, aiming to discuss effective measures to deal with future pandemics.
A resident of Bangkok receives a COVID-19 jab (Photo: XINHUA/VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) – The ASEAN Finance and Health Ministerial Meeting (AFHMM) took place in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 24, aimingto discuss effective measures to deal with future pandemics.
The meeting is intended to foster coordinationbetween finance and health officials, thereby responding promptly andeffectively to challenges caused by future pandemics as well as sharingexperience among ASEAN member countries, Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyanisaid at a press conference organised on the same day.
The meeting reaffirmed the need to boost national investment and explore other innovative financingschemes by partnering with international actors to support the implementationof the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on the "One Health" initia🎉tiv🦹e, Mulyani said.
Italso highlighted the commitment to improving the regional health architectureafter the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen resilience in the ASEAN Communitybased on the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF).
During the event, ASEAN ministers agreed to accelerate the developmentof the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergency and Emerging Diseases(ACPHEED), with the objective of collecting funds for anticipating the pandemic. The ACPHEED will also serve as a regional hub tohelp ASEAN countries tackle and respond to public health emergencies and otheremerging infectious diseases.
Results of the meeting will be submitted toꦐ the 43rd ASEAN Sum🌜mit thatwill take place in Jakarta on September 5-7, she said./.
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan presented three proposals of Vietnam in his remarks at the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME), held in Vientiane on August 23.
The ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (AFMGM) and related meetings, taking place from August 22-25, are expected to affirm a commitment to collaboration in maintaining economic stability in the region.
Environment officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Lao capital Vientiane on August 23 to discuss some environment-related issues and enhance cooperation in solving transboundary haze pollution.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
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.
A resident of Bangkok receives a COVID-19 jab (Photo: XINHUA/VNA) 
