Asean Morning News For April 21

The most comprehensive #Asean Morning News Roundup published

Asean Morning News For April 21
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Todays Asean Morning News roundup was delayed and is truncated due to electricity supply shortages in Phnom Penh

Asean morning newsAsean Morning News

Compiled by AEC News Today    @aecnewstoday

 

Outlook of Select ASEAN Automotive Markets, Forecast to 2017
This study aims to provide a detailed overview and analysis of the trends in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) automotive market, with a focus on trends in the 3 key markets of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
— PR Newswire (press release)

BPI, BDO eye QAB status under Asean framework
BANCO de Oro Unibank Inc. and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the two biggest banks in the country, are interested in becoming Qualified Asean Banks (QAB) under the Asean Banking Integration Framework “We are running the bank the way that we could qualify to be a QAB. So that when the integration happens, we could automatically qualify,” BPI President and Chief Executive Officer Cezar Consing said in a press conference on Thursday.
— The Manila Times

Asean eyes early conclusion of RCEP pact
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) remains committed to conclude the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal at the soonest possible time, said the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
— The Manila Times

Canceled flights due to ASEAN summit, meetings on April 26 to 29
Some flights have been canceled from April 26 to 29 due to the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) summit in Manila.
— Rappler

Locals eyeing ASEAN for work: job bank poll
Job opportunities for locals in ASEAN countries are growing at a rapid rate as an increasing number of Taiwanese businesses look to expand into the region, 104 Job Bank said Thursday.
— China Post

Surin calls for active ARF role in tackling Korean crisis
ASEAN NEEDS to be more integrated and stronger to cope with the changing global landscape, as “multilateralism” was in decline, former Asean chief Surin Pitsuwan said yesterday, calling on the regional grouping to enhance the role of the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) to solve the crisis in the Korean Peninsula.
— The Nation

ASEAN members pitch for nuclear energy
A pre-feasibility study unveiled during the recently concluded 7th Annual Meeting of the Nuclear Energy Cooperation Sub-Sector Network (NEC-SSN) showed that many member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are in favor of tapping nuclear energy for peaceful or commercial use.
— Manila Bulletin

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Cambodia morning newsCambodia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin    @vin_vat

 

Kingdom’s debt grows to nearly $6 billion
Cambodia’s national debt stood at $5.8 billion at the end of 2016, totalling nearly a third of GDP, according to the latest debt bulletin released by the Ministry and Economy and Finance earlier this month.
The Phnom Penh Post

Construction sector investment falls by 22 percent
Investment capital in Cambodia’s construction industry is off to a dwindling start this year, falling 22.1 percent at the end of the first quarter compared with the same period last year.
The Phnom Penh Post

Young Entrepreneur Wants to Bring Tech Efficiency to Cambodian Businesses
Integrating technology into your business operation can improve staff management, customer targeting, accounting, and communication with authorities, says Sok Sopheakmonkol, CEO of Codingate, a Cambodia-based
company providing technology solutions.
VOA

AIA Life Insurance partners with Smart
AIA Cambodia Life Insurance Plc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed AIA Group Ltd, has partnered with telecommunications provider Smart Axiata to deliver life insurance products and services, according to a press release.
The Phnom Penh Post

Vietnamese firm to invest in massive casino
A little-known Vietnamese investment firm plans to build a massive $200 million mixed-use development that includes a hotel, casino and water park in the dusty Cambodian border town of Bavet through its fully-owned Malaysian subsidiary, a government official confirmed yesterday.
The Phnom Penh Post

Gov’t to Aid Rice Exports To China
The Agriculture Ministry is working to have more Cambodian rice exporters permitted to sell in China, as exports to the country have almost doubled in a year, according to government reports.
The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Cambodia cracks down on bogus orphanages
Cambodia yesterday launched a crackdown on bogus orphanages set up to attract donations from tourists. It aims to return about 3,500 children who are not orphans to their families, said a government minister.
The Straits Times

Cambodia, U.N. launch plan to tackle fake orphanages
Cambodia launched a crackdown on bogus orphanages on Thursday, many of which are set up to attract donations from tourists, with the aim of returning about 3,500 children who were not orphans to their families, a government minister said.
Reuters

Officials Ask Vietnam to Help Pay for Drug Rehab Center
The Vietnamese government will invest in Sihanoukville’s first community-based drug rehabilitation center after leaders from the two countries’ drug control authorities met in Hanoi this week, according to a Cambodian official.
The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Social Affairs Ministry Says 38% of Orphanages Unregistered
Heightening the risk of neglect, abuse and child trafficking, nearly 40 percent of the country’s orphanages remain unregistered despite a comprehensive mapping exercise carried out last year, according to a report released on Thursday in Phnom Penh.
The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

Cambodian Opposition Expected to Play on Anti-Vietnamese Sentiment Ahead of Elections
Cambodia’s long-standing fear of Vietnam can sometimes appear to be borderline irrational and allegations of land grabbing, war-mongering, even contaminated food exports — alongside abusive insults — are often leveled at the eastern neighbors. That will only intensify as the commune elections get closer this year.
VOA

Health Ministry Rejects Doctor’s Claim He Was Denied Medical License
The Ministry of Health on Tuesday rejected claims from a Cambodian-American doctor who alleged he had been denied a medical license and barred from bringing medical supplies into the country after he criticized Cambodia’s health sector earlier this year.
VOA

Election Body Calls on Media to Give Equal Airtime to All Parties
The national election body has called on media proprietors to allot equal airtime to all political parties during campaigning for the upcoming local election.
VOA

Welcomed by war survivors in Vietnam and Cambodia
Most places I have visited over the past 45 years have a sense of history. The stories they tell are millennia old. Interesting and colourful, they lend a certain magic to the castles and cathedrals.
The Globe and Mail

Citizen of the world: Sothy Eng connects Lehigh to Cambodia
Sothy Eng wasn’t like most kids. He learned at an early age not to complain, especially about food and especially to his parents.
The Brown and White

Application of Hyperledger Iroha to Central Bank and Regulatory Uses of Blockchain
Soramitsu Co., Ltd. and the National Bank of Cambodia are working to co-develop the open source distributed ledger (blockchain) project, Hyperledger Iroha.
SYS-CON Media (press release)

Cambodian PM supports full probe into chemical weapon attack in Syria
Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Thursday that the country backed a thorough probe into a recent chemical weapon attack in Syria that killed over 70 people.
Xinhua

Cambodia has 406 orphanages with 16,579 children: new survey
A new survey released by the Cambodian Ministry of Social Affairs and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday showed that Cambodia currently has 406 residential care institutions (RCIs), or orphanages, with 16,579 children living in them.
Xinhua

Government Bars CNRP From Prison Visits
The Interior Ministry will no longer allow CNRP officials to visit their jailed comrades after it accused the party of bringing a Radio Free Asia (RFA) staff member to a prison visit under false pretenses, a claim disputed by the party and the employee.
The Cambodia Daily (paywall)

 

Indonesia morning newsIndonesia Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu    @Estee

 

Mike Pence Signed 8 Billion Dollar Deal during Indonesia Visit
The United States Vice President Mike Pence has signed a USD 8 billion business deals in presence of his Indonesian counterpart Jusuf Kalla during his Indonesia visit, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Thursday, April 20, 2017.
— Tempo.co

Dutch Corporation Investing in Indonesia’s Sustainable CPO Sector
A number of Dutch based corporations are currently exploring the capital investment in Indonesia’s sustainable palm oil sector in order to ensure the preservation of the product’s upstream and downstream.
— Tempo.co

Local Manufacturers Stand to Gain as Plants Leave China
Relocating manufacturers from China will quicken that sector’s growth in Indonesia until 2021, providing ample investment opportunities in the country’s numerous industrial complexes, according to a report by real estate consultant Jones Lang LaSalle, or JLL, released on Thursday (20/04).
— Jakarta Globe

EEZ treaty ratification will support eradication of illegal fishing: Ministry
The government is hoping to combat illegal fishing and protect Indonesian fishermen with the ratification of a maritime agreement between Indonesia and the Philippines, a ministry official has said.
— The Jakarta Post

Czech, Monaco, France penetrate N. Sumatra to market tourist destinations
The Czech Republic, France and Monaco have for the first time penetrated North Sumatra to market their respective tourist destinations in the province.
— The Jakarta Post

JCI Slightly Down After Election, Dragged by Decline in Property Stocks
Indonesia’s benchmark stock index slightly changed on Thursday (20/04) after quick count data published by pollsters showed incumbent Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has lost in Jakarta’s gubernatorial race.
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesian prosecutors seek suspended jail term for Jakarta governor
Indonesian prosecutors on Thursday recommended a one-year suspended jail sentence for Jakarta’s Christian governor in his blasphemy trial, which has been seen as a test of the Muslim-majority nation’s religious tolerance.
— Channel NewsAsia

FGV to market seeds in Indonesia, Philippines
Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) has appointed exclusive agents to market its oil palm seeds in Indonesia and the Phillipines.
— The Star Online

Saratoga-backed MGM Bosco aims to grow three fold in next two years, plans 2020 listing
Pt Mulia Bosco Logistik commonly known as MGM Bosco, has chalked out an ambitious plan to grow almost three folds in capacity in the next few years, with an investment plan of more than $35 million in the short term.
— Deal Street Asia

‘Dumping duties’ will ease pressure for Australian paper manufacturer
An anti-dumping duty will be imposed by the federal government on four countries including Brazil, Thailand, China and Indonesia, it has been reported.
— Manufacturers’ Monthly

Grasberg mine dispute off the table in US talks with Indonesian VP
The Vice-President of Indonesia has signalled he prevented his US counterpart from discussing the contract row that has crippled operations at Grasberg – the world’s second largest copper mine – by telling him “the affair is finished”.
— The Sydney Morning Herald

Indonesia moves to support scale in growth of digital economy
THE Global Venture Summit 2017 (GVS) which runs in Bali from April 19 to 21 brings local startups together with successful entrepreneurs, venture capitalist to boost the startup ecosystem.
— Digital News Asia

Geothermal Power – Ormat Technologies, Toshiba And ENGIE Have Major Projects In Indonesia
Geothermal power provides dispatchable power but needs careful evaluation to achieve sustainable production.
— Seeking Alpha

Indonesia’s Astra International Q1 net profit up 63% on year
Astra International, Indonesia’s largest publicly listed conglomerate, on Thursday said its net profit jumped 63% on the year to 5.08 trillion rupiah ($381 million) in the first three months of 2017, thanks to strong car sales and a recovery in its commodity businesses.
— Nikkei Asian Review

UPDATE 1-Indonesia’s c.bank stands pat on rates, monitors global risks
Indonesia’s central bank kept its benchmark rate unchanged on Thursday for the sixth straight meeting, saying the current level was consistent with its efforts to maintain stability.
— Reuters

 

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Lao PDR morning newsLao PDR Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin    @vin_vat

 

Lao companies to benefit from railway project: Officials
Officials in charge have confirmed that Lao construction companies will benefit from the almost-US$6 billion railway project linking Vientiane to the Chinese border.
Vientiane Times

National Assembly to open third session
The third ordinary session of the National Assembly (NA)’s Eighth Legislature will take place on April 25 through May 18, with economic, financial, legislative, and judiciary issues to be topics of debate.
Vientiane Times

Gov’t Issues Decision Banning Finance Officials from Making Fake Reports
Minister of Finance Mr Somdy Douangdy has issued decision No 1124 imposing 10 prohibitions for financial officials and civil servants at all levels to obey.
Lao News Agency

Bank of Lao PDR Shuts Down Real Estate Leasing Company and Three Pawnshops
The Bank of Lao PDR has ordered a real estate leasing company and three pawnshops in Vientiane Capital to shut down business operations.
Lao News Agency

Lao businesses face ‘high logistics costs’
HIGH LOGISTICS costs in Laos are still a major obstruction for business operations throughout the domestic private sector and can also deter investors, a recent study suggests.
The Nation

Laos identifies tourism objectives
Lao PDR’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism plans to develop tourist attractions across the country through to 2020 to offer more travel choices and attract more visitors to the country.
TTR Weekly

Observe 10 prohibitions or face punishment, finance officials warned
Finance officials are being warned to observe the newly imposed so-called 10- prohibition rule or be subjected to disciplinary measures and punishment under law.
Vientiane Times

Clean, organic agriculture production set to expand
Expanding clean agriculture production to supply market demands together with improved international market access can serve to catalyse growth in the Lao organic produce sector, an audience including the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry was told yesterday.
Vientiane Times

Vice President Tackles Corruption Within Organizations
Organization directors have been notified by Vice President Phankham Viphavanh that corruption uncovered within their organization, including subordinates serving under their supervision, will not be tolerated and will lead to dismissal.
The Laotian Times

Thai man arrested for smuggling sperm to Laos
Thai authorities arrested a man trying to smuggle six vials of sperm into Laos, a customs officer said Thursday, the latest sign that a commercial surrogacy industry is growing in the opaque communist country following curbs
around the region.
Times LIVE

Minister of Health in Washington DC to Discuss Access to Water for All
Minister of Health Mr Bounkong Syhavong is leading the Lao delegation to a high level meeting conducted in Washington DC, USA from April 19-20 by the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership with ministers of finance and water and sanitation from around the world.
Lao News Agency

Photo Exhibition Marks MRC’s 22nd Anniversary
In commemoration of the Mekong River Commission’s 22nd birthday, the Mekong Day, it launched a photo exhibition early this month celebrating the Mekong’s diverse life, culture and development with dozens of photos taken in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam.
Lao News Agency

Ministry of Finance Opens Hotline for Public
The Prime Minister’s Office has established a hotline for the general public to utilize, if and when members of the community wish to be heard about concerns they may have on financial matters.
The Laotian Times

Chinese-created drama premiered in Laos
The first stage of the song and dance drama “Kampha and Ivory Princess”, created by a Chinese company Mekong International Co., Ltd, was premiered in Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday night.
Xinhua

 

Malaysia morning news

Malaysia Morning News

Compiled by Vat Vin    @vin_vat

 

Malaysia, Abu Dhabi to settle dispute over 1MDB debt
Malaysia and Abu Dhabi have reached a settlement on a dispute involving billions of dollars in debt obligations of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) that is at the centre of an international money-laundering probe.
The Star Online

Malaysia has no fear of the facts: Najib
Freedom of speech and of the press is thriving in Malaysia and people are free to criticise the government, says Prime Minister Najib Razak, dispelling notions that Putrajaya has cracked down on dissenting voices.
Today Online

Maybank Research raises earnings forecast for MAHB, AirAsia
Maybank Investment Bank Research has raised its 2017 passenger traffic growth forecast for Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) Malaysia operations to 10% from 8%) to reflect better the current industry performance.
The Star Online

SKF pumps RM22 million for Nilai factory expansion
Leading global technology company, SKF is investing RM22 million to expand the capacity of its factory here to meet rising demands.
New Straits Times

Malaysia’s EPF eyes direct natural resources investments in bid to diversify
Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is mulling direct investments in plantation and forestry assets to diversify its holdings and beef up its portfolio of long term assets, the chief executive of the state pension fund said on Thursday.
Reuters

EPF records 7pc in total investment growth
Despite the volatile world economy, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) today announced its investment assets rose to RM731.11 billion last year, up 6.8 per cent from 2015.
Malay Mail Online

Report: Malaysia, Abu Dhabi dispute over 1MDB almost settled
Malaysia and Abu Dhabi have reached an agreement on settling a dispute involving billions of dollars in debt obligations, The Straits Times (ST) reported today.
Free Malaysia Today

Malaysia most active M&A country in Southeast Asia in 1Q — report
Malaysia took pole position as Southeast Asia’s most active country in terms of the number of merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in the first quarter of 2017 (1Q17), with a total of 26 deals worth US$1.9 billion (RM8.36 billion), according to Mergermarket.
The Edge Markets

Malaysian palm oil price rises after six sessions of losses
Malaysian palm oil futures recorded their biggest daily gain in two weeks on Thursday, ending six sessions of losses as they tracked strength in soyoil and were helped by a technical correction.
The Star Online

Bursa Malaysia opens firmer
Bursa Malaysia opened firmer this morning in line with the positive sentiment of its regional peers which spurred investors” risk appetite.
New Straits Times

EPF keen on owning plantation assets
THE Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is exploring opportunities to invest more directly in natural resources assets, instead of just being a shareholder.
New Straits Times

Big data in healthcare: What we (need to) know
The use of big data analytics to document, track and forecast trends is becoming increasingly popular and commonplace in every industry with the goal of increasing productivity and efficiency.
Malay Mail Online

Survey: More than 70pc willing to fork out RM750,000 for a home
A study on home buyers showed 73 per cent did not mind paying between RM300,000 and RM750,000 for a residential property, including condominiums and houses.
Malay Mail Online

Ringgit opens slightly higher against US dollar early Friday
The ringgit opened slightly higher against the US dollar today as investors’ interest shifted away from the greenback following US President Donald Trump’s remark that he preferred to see US interest rates stay low.
The Star Online

KPJ Healthcare proposes share split
KPJ Healthcare Bhd is dividing its shares to boost trading liquidity. The company has proposed to split every one existing share into four subdivided shares.
New Straits Times

PKNS township in Kuala Selangor ecotourism belt
A new housing development, Bayu Malawati, in the heart of Kuala Selangor’s ecotourism belt, will be launched this weekend — the third project to be completed by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) this year.
Malay Mail Online

Preacher Zakir Naik should not be allowed to remain in Malaysia: Minister
A cabinet minister and president of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), a component party of Malaysia’s ruling coalition, said on Thursday (Apr 20) that controversial Muslim preacher Zakir Naik should not be allowed to remain in Malaysia nor should he be allowed to use his “questionable” credentials to solicit support from the country to shield him from prosecution in India.
Channel NewsAsia

 

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Myanmar morning newsMyanmar Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu    @Estee

 

US calls out Myanmar in Security Council’s first ‘thematic debate’ on human rights
The UN Security Council on Tuesday held its first debate on human rights not connected to a particular conflict. The debate was initiated by US ambassador Nikki Haley, who called out the usual suspects – Cuba, North Korea, Syria, and Iran – in her remarks.
— Coconuts Yangon

Newsmagazine publisher stabbed to death in Myanmar
Authorities in Myanmar should swiftly identify and bring to justice the killer of newsmagazine publisher Wai Yan Heinn, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. The journalist was found dead on April 16 with 15 stab wounds to his chest and abdomen at his Yangon-based office, news reports said.
– CPJ

Investors shun oil and gas: DICA
There was no foreign investment in agriculture, mining, oil and gas and construction in the previous fiscal year, according to the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.
— Eleven

A new Myanmar oil pipeline helps China dodge US influence
China has taken a major step forward in its quest for energy security by opening an oil pipeline through Myanmar, a cross-border project that also underscores the two countries’ increasingly close ties.
– Nikkei Asian Review

Analysis: Opportunity knocks in Myanmar health market
After a visit to Myanmar, Jiadi Yu, principal investment officer at the IFC in Hong Kong, is optimistic about the country’s health market.
– HealthInvestor Asia

Aung San Suu Kyi’s climate change crisis
In 2008, Myanmar suffered its worst natural disaster on record when Cyclone Nargis swept through and the military regime hampered relief efforts. Now, the new government is struggling to find the resources needed to help protect its people from the ravages of global warming
– Southeast Asia Globe

NGOs call for Section 66(d) axe
NGOs have proposed that the hated Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law should be either amended or revoked, according to Lower House MP Tin Maung Win of Seikkkan and chairman of Lower House’s Committee of Transport, Communications and Construction.
— Eleven

Rights groups call for release of Myanmar political prisoners
Advocacy groups from around the world signed a joint statement [PDF] on Thursday that called for the release of all political prisoners in Myanmar. The release of the petition aligned with the third anniversary of U Win Tin’s death, a political prisoner in Myanmar for close to 20 years.
— Jurist

About 3 million passengers expected to take circular train in Yangon in 2020
Myanma Railways (MR) plans to increase the number of riders of the circular train in Yangon up to about three million by 2020. Currently, MR is cooperating with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to promote the use of the circular trains, which is currently used by only 4 per cent of Yangon dwellers.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

MOI donates stationery to Tiddim and Reedhorda libraries
Union Minister of Information Dr. Pe Myint, together with his entourage and Chin State Minister for Social Affairs U Paung LunHtan, arrived in Tiddim, Chin State on Wednesday morning.
— Global New Light Of Myanmar

Myanmar Authorities Nab Illegal Drugs, Cattle at New China Border Checkpoint in Shan State
Authorities in Myanmar’s northern Shan state have seized more than U.S. $1.5 million worth of illegal drugs, timber, and cattle at a new inspection station for transport vehicles that opened two months ago, an official who works at the checkpoint said Thursday.
— Radio Free Asia

Low supply raises fruit prices in Muse
After the Thingyan water festival, from April 13 to 16, the fruit supply to the 105 Mile trade hub in Muse Township, Shan State, has declined and the prices have risen, sources say.
— Eleven

Cops discover gold smuggling route from Myanmar
Smuggling of gold from beyond the borders of Myanmar has been keeping various agencies on toes. Within the last month, Assam Police, along with other central agencies, have managed to seize over 15 kilos of gold smuggled from Myanmar here, making it appear that this is a virtual transit route for the clandestine gold running racket of the region.
— Times of India

How ‘One Belt, One Road’ Could Smooth Out Rocky China-Myanmar Ties
Editor’s note: This article is part of an ongoing WPR series about China’s One Belt, One Road infrastructure initiative, also known as the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
— World Politics Review

 

Philippines morning newsPhilippines Morning News

Compiled by Stella-maris Ewudolu    @Estee

 

Philippine economy likely to grow close to 7 percent in next three years
he Philippines is likely to grow close to 7 percent in the next two to three years, and will remain a top performer in the East Asia and Pacific Region, according to the World Bank Philippines Economic Update released today.
– The World Bank

FNI’s net profit falls 97% to P37.5 million
Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. reported that its subsidiary Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC) reported that net income plunged 97 percent to P37.5 million last year from P1.11 billion in 2015 amid sluggish nickel ore prices and poor weather conditions.
— Manila Bulletin

China shoos away Pinoys from Spratlys
A congressman on Thursday urged the government to file a strong diplomatic protest against China for firing warning shots to drive Filipino fishermen away from Union Bank, in the heavily disputed Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea.
— Inquirer.net

$459M of net hot money exited PH in March – BSP
FOREIGN portfolio investment in the net amount of $459.86 million left the Philippines in March this year, the central bank said on Thursday.
— The Manila Times

Philippines faces hurdles in following Indonesia’s tax amnesty
Weeks after Indonesia reported netting more than US$10 billion from a tax amnesty, the Philippine government said it’s mulling a similar move. Implementing it may not be that easy.
— The Business Times

Fiscal balance swings to deficit in February
The national government’s fiscal balance swung back to a deficit last February as revenue generation failed to offset spending during the period, data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed.
— The Philippine Star

U.S. troubled by increasing extrajudicial killings in Philippines
The United States said on Thursday it was troubled by the growing number of extrajudicial killings in Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs and called on Manila to stick to its commitment to investigate them.
— Reuters

ICTSI cleared to put up $30-M Cavite terminal
International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has secured government approval for its proposal to build a $30- million common-user barge and Roll-on/Roll-off terminal in Cavite.
— The Philippine Star

Philippines’ first Ro-Ro barge terminal for container vans opens
International Container Terminal Services Inc. said Friday its subsidiary opened the country’s first container roll-on roll-off barge terminal in Cavite province.
— ABS-CBN

Russian warship visits port of Manila
The commander of the Russian guided-missile cruiser warship described yesterday their four-day port call in Manila as a very important mission for the Russian Pacific Fleet.
— The Philippine Star

BDO earnings grow 6% in Q1
BDO Unibank Inc. reported a six percent rise in its net income for the first quarter, mainly driven by higher net interest income and customer loans.
— The Philippine Star

PH halts plan to raise flag in disputed islands
The government has postponed plans to raise the Philippine flag in some of the disputed islands in the South China sea, military officials said Friday.
— ABS-CBN

ASG leader ready to surrender
One of the hunters of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Radullan Sahiron has confirmed the willingness of the bandit chief to surrender due to old age, fatigue, and incessant military pressure.
— Manila Bulletin

FGV to market seeds in Indonesia, Philippines
Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) has appointed exclusive agents to market its oil palm seeds in Indonesia and the Phillipines.
— The Star Online

 

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Thailand morning newsThailand Morning News

Compiled by John Le Fevre    @photo_journ

 

ADB predicts 3.5% Thai growth
The Thai economy is expected to expand by 3.5% based on an export recovery and domestic public spending this year, with momentum set to continue next year, raising growth to 3.6%, says the Asian Development…
– Bangkok Post

Effective education key to escaping middle income trap, ADB says
THAILAND faces more challenges as it strives to improve the economy and people’s incomes for the long term as it struggles to move up from being a middle-income country, the Asian Development Bank says.
– The Nation

Cable link with China eyed
The government is keen to invest in a submarine cable linking Bangkok with Hong Kong and mainland China in an effort to make Thailand the digital hub of Southeast Asia.
– Bangkok Post

New education plan focuses on inspiring students
EDUCATION MINISTER Teerakiat Jareonsettasin has pledged to make upcoming educational reforms relevant to children.
– The Nation

Oh, baby. Thai cops bust sperm smuggler on Laos border
Thai authorities arrested a man trying to smuggle six vials of sperm into Laos, a customs officer said Thursday, the latest sign that a commercial surrogacy industry is growing in the opaque communist country following curbs around the region.
– Coconuts Bangkok

Dumping duties’ will ease pressure for Australian paper manufacturer
An anti-dumping duty will be imposed by the federal government on four countries including Brazil, Thailand, China and Indonesia, it has been reported.
– Manufacturers’ Monthly

US firm CNH sets up regional HQ in Bangkok
CNH Industrial, a US-based manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment and commercial vehicles, yesterday opened its regional headquarters in Bangkok in a move that recognises the importance of the Thai domestic market and the country’s hub status within Asean.
– The Nation

TAA second carrier to get licence re-certified by CAAT
Thai AirAsia (TAA) had its licence re-certified by the Thai civil aviation authority in compliance with global safety standards.
– Bangkok Post

A Thai student dreams of selling rice to China
Three months away from graduation, Nontipa Kla-ngam sees a golden opportunity as she wraps up her master’s thesis on the free trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and China.
– Xinhua

Future govts ‘won’t face curbs’
The government has given assurances that a bill supporting its 20-year national development blueprint will not restrict future elected governments from making changes to the plan as they see fit.
– Bangkok Post

More Thai-built Sony phones
Sony Corporation has relocated some of its premium smartphone production from China to Thailand as the Japanese electronics giant seeks to cut labour costs and make use of export tax incentives.
– Bangkok Post

Thai narcotic suppression authorities smash a major international drug syndicate with link to Xaysana
Thai narcotic suppression police have smashed an international drug trafficking gang with link to the detained Laotian drug lord Xaysana Keopimpha and confiscated over 70 million baht assets of the gang.
– Thai PBS

 

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Asean Morning News is the most comprehensive selection of reports on what you need to know from around the Asean Economic Community (AEC) published. All articles are hand curated by the team at AEC News Today. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.

 

Todays Asean Morning News roundup was delayed and is truncated due to electricity supply shortages in Phnom Penh

 

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