ASEAN enhances cooperation on environmental protection
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.
A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan attends the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment. (Photo: VNA)
Vientiane (VNA) – Environment officials from the Association of Southeast AsianNations (ASEAN) met in Lao capital Vientiane on August 23 to discuss someenvironment-related issues and enhance cooperation in solving transboundaryhaze pollution.
A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and EnvironmentVo Tuan Nhan attended two e🅷vents, namely the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meetingon Environment (AMME 17) and the 18th Meeting of the Conferenc🐼e of the Partiesto the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (COM-18).
At the meetings,ASEAN ministers and heads of delegations reviewed the effectiveness of environmental cooperation framework, focussing on climate change, chemicalsand waste, biological diversity and fostering collaboration for environmentalfriendly and sustainable development. They also proposed solutions and keyorientations for ASEAN’s increasingly practical and effective activities,contributing to achieving sustainable environmental goals within the frameworkof the 2025 ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint and Community Vision andrealising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The meetings reaffirmed the commitment of member states to the implementationof the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris and ASEANAgreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP).
Participants reiterated the importance of taking strong action to raise alertand fire prevention measures to minimise forest fires as well as the occurrenceof cross-border haze in case of prolonged dry season.
The meetings agreed that the 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties tothe ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution will be held in Thailand in2024 and the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment inMalaysia in 20🅠25./.
A consultation of ASEAN Economic Ministers with the three partners of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) was held on August 22 in Semarang city, Indonesia.
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.
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 Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan attends the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment. (Photo: VNA) 
