GMS in the News

Electric vehicle adoption into the public transport sector is apowerful game changer that can help to cut emissions at densely populated urban centres right across the region.

ADB, BANPU Sign 2.4 Billion Thai Baht Deal to Support Electric Tuktuks in Thailand and Battery Production in PRC

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and BANPU Public Company Limited signed a 2.4 billion baht loan to support the financing of 1,500 six-seater electric tuktuks (e-tuktuks) and related charging stations for micro-scale transit services in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Addressing COVID-19 Challenges on Migrant Workers in Thailand

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for migrant workers in Thailand, who found themselves facing not only health risks but also economic and social hardships. Recognizing these challenges, the Asian Development Bank contracted a local-based civil society organization, Raks Thai Foundation, to implement a project aimed at addressing the plight of migrant workers in three provinces. It emphasized community-led prevention, the establishment of social protection systems, and economic support for jobless migrant workers.

Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam on Track toward Achieving Targets for International Foreign Arrivals in 2023

Cambodia recorded 4.4 million international tourist arrivals in the first 10 months of 2023, a 180% increase over the same period in 2022. Tourism Minister Sok Soken remarked that based on this figure, Cambodia is expected to receive approximately 5.4 million foreign visitors in 2023. 

13,200 Entrepreneurs Join Digital Marketplace Prototype by Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency

The digital marketplace prototype established by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) of the Government of Thailand garnered participation from 13,200 entrepreneurs from 75 markets across 25 provinces in the country. It generated an economic value of over 450 million baht (around $12.80 million).

ASEAN Accelerates Cross-border Payment Implementation

ASEAN member countries agreed to fast track the implementation of cross-border payments in ASEAN at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. This paves the way for ASEAN member countries to utilize local currencies when transacting in the region and promote regional payment connectivity. This move encourages the use of local currencies to support cross-border trade and investment in the ASEAN region.

ASEAN Federation of Forwarders Associations Emphasizes Intra-bloc Logistics Connectivity

The ASEAN Federation of Forwarders Associations (AFFA) met on 2 December 2023 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for their 33rd annual meeting, and discussed facilitation of goods transportation via inter-governmental cooperation in the region. 

ASEAN countries have emphasized the development of logistics services, infrastructure, and trade facilitation measures, and promoting intra-bloc connectivity. 

The Viet - Smart Tourist Card. Photo by Viet Nam Tourism website

GMS Countries Roll Out Various Smart Tourism and Digital Initiatives

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030 (GMS-2030) emphasizes new possibilities opened by digitalization. At the recently held 51st GMS Tourism Working Group Meeting (TWG-51), GMS countries highlighted various digital initiatives they are implementing, which are helping boost their tourism markets and improve visitor management.

Da Nang to Develop Its Logistics Services to Become a Key Logistics Center for Viet Nam's Central KER and the EWEC

The Da Nang People’s Committee approved a project to develop the city’s logistics services and become a logistics center by 2030 for the central key economic region (KER) and the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC). The city also aims to become the key gateway to the EWEC and an important transport corridor link in Asia-Pacific by 2050.

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